Nocardial infections in Israel: a survey.

Six cases of pulmonary nocardiosis and 11 cases of cutaneous and soft tissue nocardiosis have been reported in Israel since 1965. All three pathogenic species, Nocardia asteroides, N. brasiliensis and N. caviae, were implicated. About one-half of the patients were immunosuppressed at the time of diagnosis. Three patients died. The importance of a high level of awareness is emphasized as well as the need to observe cultures for a few weeks to allow for the slow growth of Nocardia species.