Primary lymphocutaneous nocardiosis in an immunocompetent patient.

BACKGROUND

Nocardia brasiliensis is a rare human pathogen usually associated with localized cutaneous infections.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of primary lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis infection developed after a bone fracture of the left hand of an otherwise healthy 32-year-old man. Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole given for a total of three months combined with surgical debridement resulted in complete resolution of the infection.

CONCLUSION

Nocardiosis should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with sporotrichoid infection, particularly those with a history of outdoor injury. Culture of the affected tissue and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolate should be performed for diagnosis and treatment.