Definition of Nocardiosis

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Nocardiosis: Infection with Nocardia, filamentous bacteria found in soil worldwide. Infection tends to strike the lungs, brain, and skin, particularly in people with an impaired immune system. The inhalation of Nocardia spores usually initiates nocardiosis in the lung. The skin form of nocardiosis is contracted through soil contamination of wounds. There is no evidence for person-to-
person transmission of Nocardia. Treatment is long-term antibiotic therapy.