Sporotrichoid pattern of cutaneous nocardiasis due to Nocardia asteroids

Nodular Lymphangitis (Sporotrichoid Lymphocutaneous Infections). Clues to Differential Diagnosis

Nodular lymphangitis, also known as sporotrichoid lymphocutaneous infections, is characterized by suppurative inflammatory nodules along the lymphatic vessels. This manifestation is classic of sporotrichosis, however, other infections such as nocardiosis, atypical mycobacteriosis, leishmaniasis, among others, can also express this clinical pattern. Sporotrichosis, which often occurs in gardeners, remains the most recognized cause of nodular lymphangitis. The histopathological studies, as well as the culture are diagnostic standards of lesions that do not respond to empirical treatment. In this article, we will review the main causes of nodular lymphangitis or lymphocutaneous sporotrichoid infections.

Primary lymphocutaneous nocardiosis associated with gardening: A case series

Most cases of nocardiosis are seen in immunocompromised patients. Primary lymphocutaneous is a relatively uncommon presentation of this disease that may also occurs in normal hosts. Diagnosing this infection requires a high index of suspicion since cultures can take several days to exhibit growth. The microbiology laboratory must therefore be notified about cases in which this pathogen is suspected. We report four cases of primary lymphocutaneous norcardiosis. Of particular interest is the association of three of these cases with gardening.

Actinomycetes mycetoma

Mycetoma is a chronic infection, frequently seen in tropical and sub-tropical countries and is considered as an occupational disease. Nocardia species though it can infect immunocompetent individuals, it most commonly affects immunocompromised patients. A 50-year-old male, farmer presented to our hospital with serosanguineous discharging swelling over the dorsum of right foot. We have isolated Nocardia asteroides from the tissue sample. Speciation of this isolate was carried out based on phenotypic methods. Hereby we report a case of Actinomycetes Mycetoma in an immunocompetent individual.