(VII) Gram Positive Rods Aerobic (4)Nocardia asteroides

Question 1

Characterize (5) : Nocardia

Answer 1

(1) Gram (+) filamentous branching rod
(2) Obligate aerobe
(3) Partially Acid fast
(4) (+) Catalase
(5) (+) Urease

Question 2

Nocardia asteroides infection

Found in: soil and other environmental sources

Clinical presentation
[…]

Answer 2

Nocardia asteroides infection

Found in: soil and other environmental sources

Clinical presentation
1. Nocosomial oppotunistic infections(immunocompromised and AIDS): Lung infection followed by disseminated infection which may include brain abscess

2. Non-oppotunistic infections: Madura’s foot (chronic destructive infection of bone and soft tissue) (from improper footwear)

Question 3

On histology, Nocardia asteroides presents as […]

Answer 3

On histology, Nocardia asteroides presents as gram positive branching beaded filaments