What is nocardiosis?
Nocardiosis is a potentially serious infection caused by bacteria from the Nocardia genus. Most cases primarily affect the respiratory tract, causing chest pain and respiratory problems, but the skin and other organs may also be infected. Nocardiosis may be difficult to treat, especially if the infection is not detected in its earliest stages. Long -term use of prescription antibiotics can reduce symptoms and eventually treat the disease in most patients. Nocardiosis is most likely to affect people with weakened immune system, such as elderly, HIV-positive individuals and patients taking immunosuppressive drugs for various health reasons. Most of the nocal cases are the result of inhalation of bacteria, but an infection may also occur if contaminated dirt gets into an open wound or cuts on the skin.
When the Nocardia bacteria have been applied, they attach to the walls of the lungs and airways. Bacteria initially cause the development of small asymptomatic lesions. By the procedureThe lesions increase and create abscesses that can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain and wet bloody cough. Many people experience chills and fever as their infections get worse. An untreated case of nocardiosis can lead to permanent scarring of the lungs and any respiratory failure.
skin infections often lead to large, painful ulcers that are originally isolated into the site of infection. However, Nocardia bacteria can spread quickly in the skin, causing ulceration on other parts of the body. Lymph nodes can be common bob and fever, night sweating and headaches. Rarely, bacteria can penetrate the brain and cause life -threatening complications.
A physician who suspects that nocois can perform a number of diagnostic tests. VV case of lung infection takes imaging scanning of the chest to seek damage and extract the blood sample for laboratory analysis. Sample of skin tissue with gatheringIn the case of skin infection, pathologists can check the presence of Nocardia bacteria. The treatment is started immediately after confirming the diagnosis to provide the best chances of recovery.
Antibiotic called sulfadiazine is usually prescribed for all types of nocDiosis. Since bacteria are notorious to suppress, patients must usually take daily doses of sulfadiazine for two to six months or more. Other anti -inflammatory drugs or pains that rely on pain, depending on the severity of human symptoms, may also be prescribed. Surgery is essential in rare cases where the skin, brain or pulmonary abscesses grow sufficiently large to cause fatal complications.