Nocardia transvalensisDisseminated Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Abstract

Nocardia transvalensiscomplex includes a wide range of microorganisms with specific antimicrobial resistance patterns. N. transvalensisis an unusualNocardiaspecies. However, it must be differentiated due to its natural resistance to aminoglycosides while otherNocardiaspecies are susceptible. The present report describes aNocardiaspecies involved in an uncommon clinical case of a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and pulmonary nocardiosis. Microbiological and molecular techniques based on the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene allowed diagnosis ofNocardia transvalensissensu stricto. The successful treatment was based on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and other drugs. We conclude that molecular identification ofNocardiaspecies is a valuable technique to guide good treatment and prognosis and recommend its use for daily bases diagnosis.