Nocardia species prevalent in India and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles

Abstract

Background: Nocardia species causes a wide spectrum of infection mainly in immunocompromised patients. Successful treatment of nocardiosis depends on accurate identification of the species as susceptibility profile varies for different species. In this study we describe the drug susceptibility pattern for different Nocardia species in India.

Materials and method: We conducted a retrospective study from 2017 to 2022. Nocardia species were identified by Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight and in vitro susceptibility testing was carried out by broth microdilution against 7 antimicrobial agents.

Results: The most common species isolated was N. cyriacigeorgica (n = 18/62; 29 %). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 55 isolates. All tested isolates were susceptible to linezolid and 96 % susceptible to amikacin. Varying susceptibility profile was observed for other drugs for Nocardia species.

Conclusion: Antimicrobial susceptibility can vary for different Nocardia spp. and can impact the management of nocardiosis. It remains a priority to identify these patterns for local guidelines.

Keywords: India; Micro-broth dilution; Nocardia; Species identification; Susceptibility.