Primary lymphocutaneous nocardiosis in an immunocompetent patient

BACKGROUND: Nocardia brasiliensis is a rare human pathogen usually associated with localized cutaneous infections. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of primary lymphocutaneous Nocardia brasiliensis infection developed after a bone fracture of the left hand of an otherwise healthy 32-year-old man. Treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole given for a total of three months combined with surgical debridement resulted in complete resolution of the infection. CONCLUSION: Nocardiosis should be part of the differential diagnosis in patients with sporotrichoid infection, particularly those with a history of outdoor injury. Culture of the affected tissue and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolate should be performed for diagnosis and treatment.