An Unusual Case of Cerebral Nocardiosis Masquerading as Tuberculosis

Abstract

This is a report of a unique case of cerebral nocardiosis in an immunocompetent host who was initially diagnosed with extra pulmonary tuberculosis not responding to 1 st line anti tubercular treatment (ATT). The deteriorating abscess required multiple drainage procedures before the correct diagnosis was clinched by microbiological analysis. Cerebral nocardiosis is a rare entity, typically occurs in immunocompromised host and is associated with poor prognosis. As it can be easily confused with tuberculosis, a high index of clinical suspicion and supporting microbiological evidence is essential for the correct diagnosis. Priyanka et al.; BJMMR, 18(5): 1-4, 2016 Keywords: Cerebral nocardiosis; tuberculosis; modified ziehl neelsen (ZN) stain. Case Report