| 释义 |
nocardiosis
Translations
nocardiosis
nocardiosis[nō‚kär·dē′ō·səs] (medicine) Infection by species of the fungus Nocardia characterized by spreading granulomatous lesions. nocardiosis
Nocardiosis DefinitionNocardiosis is a serious infection caused by a fungus-like bacterium that begins in the lungs and can spread to the brain.DescriptionNocardiosis is found throughout the world among people of all ages, although it is most common in older people and males. While people with poor immunity are vulnerable to this infection, it sometimes strikes individuals with no history of other diseases. Nocardiosis is rare in AIDS patients. It is not transmitted by person-to-person contact.Causes and symptomsNocardiosis is caused by a bacterium of the Nocardia species—usually N. asteroides, an organism that is normally found in the soil. The incubation period is not known, but is probably several weeks.The bacteria can enter the human body when a person inhales contaminated dust. Less often, people can pick up the bacteria in contaminated puncture wounds or cuts.SymptomsThe infection causes a cough similar to pneumonia or tuberculosis, producing thick, sometimes bloody, sputum. Other symptoms include chills, night sweats, chest pain, weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss. Nocardiosis does not, however, respond to short-term antibiotics.ComplicationsIn about one-third of patients, the infection spreads from the blood into the brain, causing brain abscesses. This complication can trigger a range of symptoms including severe headache, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea and seizures, and problems in walking. If a brain abscess ruptures, it can lead to meningitis.About a third of patients with nocardiosis also have abscesses in the skin or directly underneath the skin. They may also have lesions in other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, or bones.DiagnosisNocardia is not easily identified from cultures of sputum or discharge. A doctor can diagnose the condition using special staining techniques and taking a thorough medical history. Lung biopsies or x rays also may be required. Up to 40% of the time, however, a diagnosis can't be made until an autopsy is done.TreatmentTreatment of nocardiosis includes bed rest and high doses of medication for a period of 12 to 18 months, including sulfonamide drugs or a combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra). If the patient doesn't respond to these drugs, antibiotics such as ampicillin (Amcill, Principen) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc) may be tried.The abscesses may need to be drained and dead tissue cut away. Other symptoms are treated as necessary.PrognosisNocardiosis is a serious disease with a high mortality rate. If it has been diagnosed early and caught before spreading to the brain, the prognosis is better. Even with appropriate treatment, however, the death rate is still 50%. Once the infection reaches the brain, the death rate is above 80%. This outcome is most commonly seen in patients with a weakened immune system.Key termsAbscess — A localized area of infection in a body tissue. Abscesses in the brain or skin are possible complications of nocardiosis.Meningitis — An infection of the outer covering of the brain (meninges) that can be caused by either bacteria or a virus.ResourcesBooksOrris, June, editor. Handbook of Diseases. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp., 1996.nocardiosis [no-kahr″de-o´sis] infection with Nocardia.no·car·di·o·sis (nō-kar-dē-ō'sis), A generalized disease in humans and other animals caused by Nocardia asteroides, N. otitidiscaviarum, N. transvalensis, and N. brasiliensis; characterized by primary pulmonary lesions that may be subclinical or chronic with hematogenous spread to deep viscera, including the central nervous system; most commonly occurs in immunosuppressed patients. Synonym(s): nocardiasisnocardiosis Infectious disease Infection with Nocardia spp, in particular, N asteroides, which usually presents as a suppurative abscessing lesion of skin and lungs; dissemination to the brain is usually fatalno·car·di·o·sis (nō-kahr'dē-ō'sis) A generalized disease in humans and other animals caused by Nocardia asteroides and N. brasiliensis; characterized by primary pulmonary lesions that may be subclinical or chronic with hematogenous spread, and usually with involvement of the central nervous system. nocardiosis Infection by the soil bacterium Nocardia asteroides and other species of the same genus. Nocardiosis often affects the foot and features persistent discharging abscesses (MADURA FOOT). In people with reduced resistance to infection (immunodeficiency) abscesses occur in the lungs and in other parts of the body, including the bowels and the brain. Treatment is with antibiotics.Nocard, Edmund I.E., French veterinarian, 1850-1903. Nocardia - a genus of aerobic nonmotile actinomycetes (family Nocardiaceae, order Actinomycetales), transitional between bacteria and fungi, which are mainly saprophytic but may produce disease in human beings and other animals.Nocardia brasiliensisNocardia dacryoliths - white pseudoconcretions, composed of masses of Nocardia species found in the lacrimal canaliculi. Synonym(s): Desmarres dacryolithsNocardiasis bovine farcyNocardiaceae - a family of acid-fast, gram-positive, aerobic bacteria (order Actinomycetales) that includes the genus Nocardia.nocardiosis - a pulmonary or brain infection that is caused by Nocadia asteroides.Preisz-Nocard bacillus - see under Preiszno·car·di·o·sis (nō-kahr'dē-ō'sis) Generalized disease caused by Nocardia asteroides and other species; characterized by primary pulmonary lesions that may be subclinical or chronic with hematogenous spread to deep viscera, including central nervous system; most common in immunosuppressed patients. |