Primary Nocardia meningitis in a patient without a predisposing condition: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

A case of primary Nocardia meningitis in a patient without a predisposing condition is presented and 4 other reported cases are reviewed. The presenting features were fever, headache, altered consciousness, and neck stiffness. Cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) revealed hypoglycorrhachia (<40 mg/dl), elevated protein (>100 mg/dl), and pleocytosis with predominant neutrophils in all patients. Culture of CSF was positive for Nocardia in 4 of the 5 patients. Mortality was 50%. Diagnosis was frequently delayed and this probably contributed to the high mortality. Compared with Nocardia meningitis in association with a predisposing condition, primary Nocardia meningitis without a predisposing condition has similar clinical features and outcome.