Co-infection of Nocardia and Aspergillus fumigatus in a immunosuppressed patient: Case report

Abstract

Background: Nocardia and Aspergillus fumigatus are opportunistic pathogenic fungus that has a major impact on the mortality of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients present diagnostic challenges. Nocardia and A fumigatus are both easily overlooked because of their rarity, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Case presentation: We report an infection caused by steroid use in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. A 76-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital because of cough, expectoration and fever for 10 days. The patient had low immune function, granulocytopenia, diffuse infiltration could be seen on chest computed tomography, and BAL fluid galactomannan level of 1.3 S/CO. The microbiological findings reflect a possible co-infection with Nocardia and A fumigatus. Voriconazole was used to treat pulmonary aspergillosis, ceftriaxone and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole were used to treat Nocardia. After timely targeted medication administration, the patient was discharged with a good prognosis.

Conclusion: Co-infection is more common in immunosuppressed patients and warrants attention in clinical practice. Early diagnosis and treatment can help patients with Co-infection of Nocardia and A fumigatus achieve better prognosis.