Nocardia | |
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Close-up image of a Nocardia species culture on sheep blood agar | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Actinomycetota |
Class: | Actinomycetia |
Order: | Mycobacteriales |
Family: | Nocardiaceae |
Genus: | Nocardia Trevisan 1889 (Approved Lists 1980) |
Type species | |
Nocardia asteroides (Eppinger 1891) Blanchard 1896 (Approved Lists 1980)
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Species | |
See text. | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Nocardia is a genus of weakly staining Gram-positive, catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria. It forms partially acid-fast beaded branching filaments (appearing similar to fungi, but being truly bacteria). It contains a total of 85 species. Some species are nonpathogenic, while others are responsible for nocardiosis.[3] Nocardia species are found worldwide in soil rich in organic matter. In addition, they are oral microflora found in healthy human gingiva, as well as periodontal pockets.[4] Most Nocardia infections are acquired by inhalation of the bacteria or through traumatic introduction through openings in epithelial barriers.