Work

Brain abscesses: the first report of disseminated Nocardia beijingensis infection in an immunocompetent individual in China

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Nocardia is widely distributed in the natural environment and typically cause opportunistic infections. However, it is important to note that the pathogenicity of different Nocardia species may vary significantly. Here we reported the first case of brain abscess caused by Nocardia beijingensis (N. beijingensis) infection in China. A 70-year-old male immunocompetent individual came to our hospital for treatment due to headache. After examination, it was found that he had a brain abscess caused by N. beijingensis. By utilizing a combination of surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy, the patient ultimately achieved full recovery. In addition, we isolated this strain and displayed its ultrastructure through scanning electron microscopy. The phylogenetic tree was analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequence. A literature review of N. beijingensis infections in all immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients was presented. It highlighted that abscess formation appears to be a common manifestation of N. beijingensis infection, and N. beijingensis has become an emerging pathogen in immunocompetent individuals.

Source: BMC Neurology

DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03826-6

Authors: Lihong Jin, Weiqun Zhang, Fang Su, Youqi Ji, Yumei Ge

Institutions: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Actinomycetales infections and treatment

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890