Severe pneumonia due to Nocardia otitidiscaviarum identified by mass spectroscopy in a cotton farmer : A case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale:

Nocardia species are aerobic saprophytic bacilli. Among Nocardia species, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum ( N otitidiscaviarum) is rarely reported in pulmonary infection.

Patient concerns:

We reported a case of N otitidiscaviarum pneumonia in a cotton farmer.

Diagnoses:

N otitidiscaviarum pneumonia was identified by mass spectroscopy.

Interventions:

Combined treatments (amikacin, imipenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) were administered after identification of N otitidiscaviarum.

Outcomes:

The patient eventually died from severe respiratory insufficiency in the hospital.

Lessons:

Early precise diagnosis and prompt combined therapy are of vital importance in severe Nocardia pulmonary infection.