A RARE CASE OF LOCALIZED PULMONARY NOCARDIOSIS CAUSED BY NOCARDIA FARCINICA IN A PATIENT WITH A BRAIN TUMOR

Nocardia farcinica is rarely isolated from clinical specimens, and it is a more virulent strain than other types of Nocardia. In this report, we evaluated a rare case of pleural empyema and pneumonia caused by Nocardia farcinica in a patient who had risk factors such as long-term use of corticosteroids, chronic respiratory disease, and a brain tumor. The distinction of N. farcinica from other Nocardia species is important because N. farcinica is more virulent and highly resistant, especially to broad-spectrum cephalosporins, which can make treatment difficult. In conclusion, in the presence of nonspecific physical examination and radiographic findings in patients using immunosuppressives and having comorbid diseases, atypical causative agents such as Nocardia infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis.