Nocardiosis

An infection caused by a fungus-like bacterium present in soil. The infection, acquired through inhalation, usually starts in the lung and spreads via the bloodstream to the brain and tissues under the skin. Nocardiosis is rare except in people with immunodeficiency disorders or those already suffering from another serious disease. The infection causes a pneumonia-like illness, with fever and cough. It fails to respond to short-term, antibiotic treatment, and progressive lung damage occurs. Brain abscesses may follow. Treatment is with sulphonamide drugs, often in conjunction with other antibacterial drugs, for example trimethoprim.