Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons^™

A Case Report Of A Primary Cerebral Abscess Due To Nocardia Asteroides In An Immunocompetent Patient, Ileana Elita Mendez, Nicole Marie Barreto, Alan Lanurias, Luis Alberto Rosas

Research Symposium

Background: Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia are rarely reported and have high mortality. It usually affects patients who are immunocompromised and initiates as a lung infection that disseminates hematogenously, though it can also affect those immunocompetent. Cerebral nocardiosis imitates brain tumors, which can delay the initiation of the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Case Description: We present a case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with multiple cerebral abscesses who presented with headaches, left-sided weakness, and ataxia. Upon imaging, multiple brain lesions were revealed. The patient underwent craniotomy and drainage of the mass. He was initially empirically treated, though cultures later grew Nocardia …