NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES Meaning and
Definition
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Nocardia asteroides is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus Nocardia. It is a gram-positive, aerobic, filamentous bacterium that forms branching, beaded, and partially acid-fast filaments.
This bacterium is commonly found in the soil, water, and organic matter, and can cause infections in both humans and animals. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it mainly affects individuals with weakened immune systems or those suffering from chronic lung diseases.
In humans, Nocardia asteroides can cause a variety of infections, with pulmonary infections being the most common. These infections often manifest as pneumonia or lung abscesses and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Other possible sites of infection include the skin, brain, eyes, joints, and bones.
To identify Nocardia asteroides, laboratory tests such as Gram staining and acid-fast staining may be employed. Additionally, cultures may be grown on specific media and subjected to molecular methods like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for definitive identification.
Treatment of Nocardia asteroides infections usually involves a combination of antibiotics, commonly including sulfonamides and aminoglycosides, administered over a prolonged period of time. However, the choice of antibiotics may vary depending on the site and severity of infection, as well as individual patient factors.
In conclusion, Nocardia asteroides is a filamentous bacterium that can cause various infections, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to manage infections caused by this organism.
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Cladothrix asteroides, found in mycetoma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES
- bocardia asteroides
- mocardia asteroides
- jocardia asteroides
- hocardia asteroides
- nicardia asteroides
- nkcardia asteroides
- nlcardia asteroides
- npcardia asteroides
- n0cardia asteroides
- n9cardia asteroides
- noxardia asteroides
- novardia asteroides
- nofardia asteroides
- nodardia asteroides
- noczrdia asteroides
- nocsrdia asteroides
- nocwrdia asteroides
- nocqrdia asteroides
- nocaedia asteroides
- nocaddia asteroides
Etymology of NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES
The word "Nocardia" is named after Edmond Nocard, a French veterinarian and microbiologist who first described the genus Nocardia in 1888. He was known for his studies on animal diseases, particularly tuberculosis and actinomycosis.
The term "asteroides" in Nocardia asteroides is derived from the Greek word "aster", meaning star, and the Latin suffix "-oides", meaning resembling or having the appearance of. It refers to the star-shaped or asteroid-like appearance of the bacterial cells observed under the microscope. This characteristic morphology is one of the distinguishing features of the species within the genus Nocardia.
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