title: Peritonsillar abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides.
abstract: A 22-year-old man with recurrent pharyngitis developed a peritonsillar abscess from which aspirated material yielded a pure culture of Nocardia asteroides. It is likely that the organism was introduced iatrogenically during a prior tonsillar incision. Although unusual, Nocardia species should be considered and microbiological specimens should be handled appropriately in pharyngeal abscesses that respond poorly to conventional therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 84132.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Adair
authors.forename: I J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Amber
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D009616:Nocardia asteroides / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D012008:Recurrence