Pacemaker pocket infection by Nocardia carnea. First case description and literature review

Acid-fast gram-positive bacilli are a seldom causal agent of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) infections. A pacemaker pocket infection by Nocardia carnea is presented. The objective of this review is to know the incidence of pacemaker pocket infection by Nocardia and to collect information to contribute to the management of this infection. We describe both our case and those found in the literature. Only three cases were found. Two of the patients were older than 70 years without immunosuppression, presenting erythema at the pacemaker implantation site as main symptom. Bloodstream infection was registered in one of them. Three microorganisms were sensitive to cotrimoxazole. The minimum time of antibiotic therapy was 6 weeks. An incomplete device removal was done in one case, resulting in an unfavorable clinical course. The incidence of pacemaker pocket infection by these microorganisms is low, resolved in most cases with antibiotic treatment and device removal. (c) 2022 Institut Pasteur. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Acid-fast gram-positive bacilli are rarely responsible for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) infections, including Nocardia carnea. This review aims to determine the incidence of pacemaker pocket infection caused by Nocardia and gather information to improve the management of this infection. Our case and literature findings revealed a low incidence of such infections, most of which were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy and device removal.