Nocardiosis, can it mimic tuberculosis ?

Abstract EN

Nocardiosis is a treacherous disease ; witch is caused by the invasion of aerobic Actinomycetes of the genus Nocadia.

It is presented in several forms, lung, brain and skin are the organs most frequently involved.

Recent observations strongly suggested that the spectrum of human nocardiosis in Mosul area has been changing as regard to overall incidence .The study will review 125 cases diagnosed as Nocardiosis during the period 1999-2002, the pathogen isolated from different clinical specimens, mainly in immunocompromised as well as patients without definable predisposing conditions.

Pulmonary Nocardiosis should considered in the differential diagnosis of lung Diseases because of its similarity with other granulomatous, neoplastic diseases and its co-existence with chronic pulmonary conditions.

It mimic pulmonary Tuberculosis in clinical symptoms radiological and histological characteristics, precise and proper bacteriological diagnosis is vital because of its relation to Corynebacteria, Mycobacteria and Streptomycetes.

The interpretation of sputum culture is more problematic since many strains of Nocardia are weakly acid fast when stained in tissue or from primary isolation media.

The aim of this study is to emphasize on the awareness of clinicians and microbiologists to this infection in order to improve health care and cost effective drug use.