A 47 – year – old man with chronic asthma who has been treated with steroids for many years develops a productive cough, weight loss, and night sweats. Imaging studies reveal the presence of abscesses in the lungs and brain. Cultures show gram – positive filaments that are weakly acid – fast Which of the following organ- isms is responsible for this patient’s condition?
Correct Answer: Nocardia asteriods
Description: (D) Nocardia asteriods # Nocardia asteroides a filamentous gram - positive organism weakly acid - fast infection with this organism typically seen in immuno- compromised individuals, commonly misdiagnosed as tuberculosis because of its acid - fast nature and its similar disease process.> Actinomyces israelii: Also filamentous organism; Not weakly acid-fast; It is part of the normal flora of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract; Classically associated with "sulfur granules" seen on microscopy.
Category:
Microbiology
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