Severe pneumonia due to Nocardia otitidiscaviarum identified by mass spectroscopy in a cotton farmer: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Nocardia species are aerobic saprophytic bacilli. Among Nocardia species, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (N otitidiscaviarum) is rarely reported in pulmonary infection. PATIENT CONCERNS: We reported a case of N otitidiscaviarum pneumonia in a cotton farmer. DIAGNOSES: N otitidiscaviarum pneumonia was identified by mass spectroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Combined treatments (amikacin, imipenem and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) were administered after identification of N otitidiscaviarum. OUTCOMES: The patient eventually died from severe respiratory insufficiency in the hospital. LESSONS: Early precise diagnosis and prompt combined therapy are of vital importance in severe Nocardia pulmonary infection.