Nocardia / Actinomyces Flashcards
Characteristics of Nocardia?
- Gram +
- Branching filamentous rods
- Aeroboic
- Partially Acid Fast
- Nonmotile
Nocardia produce what in their Cell wall?
Produce medium chain mycolic acids in cell wall
Nocardia has a worldwide distribution in…?
SOIL rich with organic manure
What does nocardia cause in immuno-compromised patients?
pulmonary infections
Nocardia avoids phagocytic killing by what VF’s?
- Short chain Mycolic acids
- Cord factor (glycoprotein)
What are the cutaneous infections Nocardia causes in immunocompetent?
- Mycetoma
- Brain abscesses
- Encephalitis
What is the treatment for Nocardia?
- Sulfonamides
- Trimethoprim
Characteristics of Actinomyces?
- Gram +
- Branching filamentous rods
- Anaerobic
- Not Acid fast
- Nonmotile
Actinomyces colonizes what?
- URT
- GIT
- Female genital tract
Actinomyces causes what and forms what?
- oral/facial abscesses that drain through sinus tracts, forms yellow “sulfur granules”
Oral cavity/Endogenous infections to the lungs with Actinomyces shows what in x-ray?
Farmer’s Lung
What is the most common infection with Actinomyces?
“Lumpy Jaw” cervicofacial
A subcutaneous infection which is in both Nocardia and Actinomyces?
Mycetoma
- usually in foot or lower leg
Why is Actinomyces difficult to diagnose?
because it is part of normal oral/respiratory flora.
What is the treatment of Actinomyces?
Penicillin
