Nocardia: Updated microbiological review

• Author Details:   
• Shalini Trivedi
• Sana Islahi ^*

Nocardiosis caused by Nocardia species is a neglected tropical disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and a diverse geographic distribution. This review focuses on the epidemiology of Nocardia species infections, emphasizing a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment. Nocardia can be elusive, often progressing to chronic infections if not promptly identified. Due to its nonspecific presentation, a lack of clinical suspicion frequently leads to missed diagnoses, increasing morbidity and mortality. Understanding the local epidemiology, demographics, clinical course, diagnostic modalities, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of dominant Nocardia species is crucial for controlling its spread. This systematic review provides an updated microbiological overview of Nocardia species.

Keywords: Nocardia, Taxonomy, Prevalence, Clinical features, Diagnosis, Treatment