Disseminated actinomycetoma due to Nocardia wallacei.

BACKGROUND

Actinomycetoma caused by Nocardia usually responds well to antibiotics. Emerging species of Nocardia, such as N. wallacei, can be a therapeutic challenge.

AIMS: Confirm the therapeutic effectivity of linezolid in multidrug resistant Nocardia Wallacei actinomycetoma.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We evaluated the medical management of an 18-year-old man with multidrug resistant actinomycetoma of the left leg caused by N. transvalensis complex treated 17 years ago with linezolid 1200 mg a day. This bacteria was recently reclassified as Nocardia Wallacei by specific molecular biology technique.

RESULTS

The infection was cured after 3 months of treatment; the patient remained asymptomatic for the past 17 years. No adverse effects were found.

DISCUSSION: Frequently, strains of N. transvalensis complex have aminoglycoside resistance; in this case, we highlight the effectiveness of linezolid for the successful medical management of multidrug resistant actinomycetoma.

CONCLUSION

Linezolid can be an alternative for the treatment of multidrug resistant Nocardia Wallacei.