Nocardiosis,
Nocardia asteroides [Credit: Dr. William Kaplan/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Image ID: 3195)] chronic systemic bacterial disease of humans and many other animals originating in the respiratory tract and disseminated by way of the blood to other organs, especially the brain. It is caused either by introduction into the skin or by inhalation of Nocardia asteroides, a normal inhabitant of soil and compost heaps. The disease usually begins with malaise, loss of weight, fever, and night sweats. Most often it causes a cough productive of purulent and blood-tinged sputum (pseudotuberculosis). An uncommon disease, nocardiosis is found worldwide in persons of all ages. Chronic lung disease or immunosuppressive therapy can render an