Manifestations and Management of Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole–Resistant Nocardia otitidiscaviarum Infection

Abstract

Nocardia can cause systemic infections with varying manifestations. Resistance patterns vary by species. We describe N. otitidiscavarium infection with pulmonary and cutaneous manifestations in a man in the United States. He received multidrug treatment that included trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole but died. Our case highlights the need to treat with combination therapy until drug susceptibilities are known.

Keywords

• Nocardia
• Nocardia otitidiscaviarum
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• cutaneous abscess
• drug resistance