Case reports of nocardiosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

INTRODUCTION

We present 4 local cases of nocardiosis in HIV-infected patients and discuss the diagnosis, clinical syndromes and therapy of nocardiosis.

CLINICAL PICTURE: Two cases presented with pulmonary nocardiosis, one had a cervical lymph node abscess and one had disseminated nocardiosis with pulmonary, cerebral and soft tissue involvement.

TREATMENT: Combination therapy is often employed. Sulphonamides or co-trimoxazole, amikacin, imipenen, minocycline and ceftriaxone are some of the drugs that could be used.

OUTCOME: Outcome hinges on the early recognition and optimal treatment of this infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentations vary and diagnosis is difficult and frequently delayed. Nocardiosis should be suspected in patients who present with pulmonary lesions with soft tissue and/or cerebral abscesses.