Fatal Superadded Nocardia Infection in a Case of Pulmonary Aspergillosis

Pulmonary nocardiosis is a severe opportunistic infection in which chronic lung disease along with long term steroid therapy is the most significant predisposing factor. Demonstration of Nocardia in even potentially contaminated sample like sputum, warrant strong warning signal of association of the organism with the clinical condition because Nocardia are rarely encountered as laboratory contaminants. Immediate initiation of appropriate treatment is absolutely essential since any delay in diagnosis or treatment may prove detrimental to the extent of complete fatal outcome.