title: Nocardiosis: updates and clinical overview.
abstract: Nocardia, a gram-positive bacillus with the microscopic appearance of branching hyphae, can produce considerable disease in the appropriate host. The taxonomy of Nocardia continues to evolve; more than 50 species have been described. Early recognition and effective therapy are imperative to achieve successful outcomes. Although nocardiosis typically occurs in patients with cell-mediated immunosuppressive conditions, infection may occasionally develop in immunocompetent patients as well. This review addresses the microbiology of Nocardia, risk factors for infection, clinical presentations, and management strategies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. wilson.john@mayo.edu
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009615:Nocardia / Q000187:drug effects*; D009617:Nocardia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents