nocardiosis no·car·di·o·sis (nō-kär'dē-ō'sĭs)
n.
A generalized disease in humans that is caused by Nocardia asteroides or occasionally by N. farcinica and that is characterized by pulmonary lesions that may be subclinical or chronic and may spread to other organs of the body, especially the brain.
nocardiosis
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 individual more susceptible.
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