Nocardia elegans primary iliopsoas abscess: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Nocardia species are rare causative agents of psoas abscess, more frequently occurring as part of disseminated infection. Only sporadic cases have been reported so far, with Nocardia asteroides and Nocardia farcinica being the most common causative agents. Nocardia elegans is an opportunistic pathogen, accounting for only 0.3–0.6% of infections caused by Nocardia species, usually affecting the respiratory tract. In this study, a previously healthy 74-year-old man was admitted to the University Hospital of Heraklion with fever and intense pain radiating from the lumbar region to the groin and the left thigh, increasing with movement. Imaging findings revealed a large abscess in the left iliopsoas. Blood and pus aspirate cultures yielded a pure culture of Nocardia that was identified by 16S rRNA sequence as N. elegans. The patient was successfully treated with drainage of the abscess along with administration of ceftriaxone, linezolid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. To our knowledge, this is the first report of iliopsoas abscess caused by N. elegans. Early, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment with drainage of the abscess and long-term administration of antimicrobial agents optimize the outcome.