Primary Cutaneous Nocardiosis Due to Nocardia Farcinica: A Case Report of an Often Overlooked Infection

Primary cutaneous nocardiosis by Nocardia farcinica is exceedingly rare. Only six cases have been reported from PubMed in the past 15 years. We encounter such a case in a 55-year-old man receiving long-term steroid and cyclophosphamide. Owing to no characteristic symptoms, the disease can be so easily overlooked and causes fatal consequences. Therefore, we herein discuss common features of primary cutaneous nocardiosis by Nocardia farcinica that remind clinicians considering it.

Automated summary

Primary cutaneous nocardiosis caused by Nocardia farcinica is exceedingly rare, with only six cases reported in the past 15 years. It can be easily overlooked due to lack of characteristic symptoms, leading to fatal consequences. Clinicians should be reminded to consider this disease, especially in patients receiving long-term steroid and cyclophosphamide therapy.