Q. My culture report showed Nocardia positive. How to proceed?
Hello doctor,
A few weeks ago I went to the doctor with an open skin wound on my face. I was cultured as it looked like Staph infection and given antibiotics. I ended up putting raw, unfiltered honey on the wound and it cleared up in the next three days. There is only a small red scar now. The culture came back as positive for Nocardia. I have no fever, shortness of breath or any other symptoms to speak of. I have set an appointment with infectious disease specialist by next week. As the wound got healed, could it still be in my blood? Do I need to do anything before my visit? Should I push to be seen earlier?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern, but I require some more information.
- What specimen you had given for culture and in how many days it came back positive?
- What are the antibiotics you had taken earlier? How did you get that skin wound?
Revert back with the answers to the above questions to a microbiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/microbiologist
Thank you doctor,
The result showed Nocardia brasiliensis and it just came today. It took longer than two weeks. I had the wound for three days, and I used only natural honey. It has been gone close to two weeks. I do not know the reason for the wound. It started as a pimple and grew into a wound that was like MRSA. It was smaller, probably less than a quarter inch.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- Thank you for the answers. But, you did not answer one thing. I mean Nocardia was found in which specimen weather it was blood culture or wound culture or any other specimen you have submitted to the laboratory.
- First, I suggest you to not to be worried. As Nocardia is present in the environment it can cause infection of skin and it can be treated using appropriate antibiotics.
- As you said you have used some natural substances locally and I would suggest do not use it. Or even if you wanted to use, then you should use it with oral medication.
- Presently, no need to be worried as it is a local infection as your symptoms suggest.
- I suggest you some investigation before starting treatment. Blood culture to rule out any systemic infection and complete blood count. Then, carry on with the scheduled appointment.
- I am suggesting you some medication that you can take under the guidance of your local clinician. Trimethoprim with Sulfamethoxazole (Co-trimoxazole 960 mg) orally two times a day after meal. If allergic to sulfa drugs, then you can take Minocycline 100 mg two times a day orally for seven days.
- If there is any pain, redness or burning locally, then take NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) orally for five days. Maintain local cleaning and apply any antibacterial ointment.
- Take Pantoprazole 40 mg once a day on an empty stomach to prevent drug induced gastritis. Repeat the culture of the wound after five days of treatment.
Revert back after seven days to a microbiologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/microbiologist
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
The big wound in my anal fissure is curing, while the small wounds do not. Please suggest.
.. fissure is a wound in the anal canal caused by various reasons such as overactive anal sphincter pressure, passing hard stools, straining at defecation, and rarely also in Crohn's disease. I hope the doctor has evaluated you for the same. Usually,... Read full
Warts in my genitals has become bigger, red and painful. Why?.. have seen the picture. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This does not seem to be herpes genitalis. In case of herpes, you would have got vesicles that would burst to leave erythematous erosions. These can be verruca plana varie... Read full
What is the yellow powdery discharge from armpit area after waxing?.. is a condition in certain individuals that is called as trichomycosis axillaris. It is due to bacteria the coryneform bacteria and yellow color thing is their colonies. You need antibacterial not antifungal agents. And antiperspirant is the recomm... Read full
Also Read
Holi Colors - Are They Safe?
Holi is known as the festival of colors. But are the colors worth playing with? Let us find out. Read more»
Onions - Nutrition, Health Benefits, and Side Effects
Onions are an imperative ingredient for most of the main course dishes. Read the article below to learn about them more. Read more»
Benefits of Sudarshan Kriya Breathing Technique
Sudarshan kriya is a breathing exercise that connects the mind with the body through breathing. Read the article to know... Read more»
Ask your health query to a Wellness Expert online?
Ask a Microbiologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
