Nocardiosis after corticosteroid therapy for malignant thymoma.

BACKGROUND

Nocardia asteroides is an opportunistic infection caused by an aerobic actinomycete, which, in the immunocompromised host, can be associated with severe invasive disease with a predilection for the brain.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

The authors describe a 62-year-old man with a malignant thymoma that was clinically responsive to oral prednisone. N. asteroides sepsis subsequently developed, leading to his death.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocardiosis should be considered a potential pathogen in this immunocompromised setting.