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Nocardia Infection
Alternate Names : Nocardiosis
DefinitionNocardia infection is a rare disorder caused by bacteria called nocardia, which tend to affect the lungs, brain, or skin. It occurs primarily in individuals with weakened immune systems.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Nocardia infection is a chronic bacterial infection that usually originates in the lungs and tends to spread to other organ systems -- most commonly the brain and the skin. It may also involve the kidneys, the joints, the heart, the eyes, and the bones.
Nocardia is found in soil around the world. It can be contracted by inhaling contaminated dust or via contamination of a wound with soil containing nocardia.
While individuals with normal immune systems can acquire this infection, the main risk factors for nocardiosis are a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease. People on chronic steroid therapy, those with cancer, organ or bone marrow transplants, or HIV/AIDS are at risk.
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• Definition
• Nocardia Infection Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Nocardia Infection Symptoms & Signs
• Nocardia Infection Diagnosis & Tests
• Nocardia Infection Treatment
• Nocardia Infection Prognosis
• Nocardia Infection Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Review Date : 8/4/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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