Nocardia

Nocardia
Close-up image of a Nocardia species culture on sheep blood agar
Scientific classification Edit this 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)
Species

See text.

Synonyms[1]
  • Micropolyspora Lechevalier et al. 1961 (Approved Lists 1980)
  • Asteroides Puntoni & Leonardi, 1935
  • Proactinomyces (K.Lehmann & Haag) H.L.Jensen, 1934[2]
Nocardia as found on a brain biopsy.

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.

  1. ^ Euzéby JP, Parte AC. "Nocardia". List of Prokaryotic names with Standing in Nomenclature (LPSN). Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "Nocardia Trevisan, 1889". www.gbif.org. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  3. ^ Ryan KJ, Ray CG, eds. (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. pp. 460–2. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.
  4. ^ "Nocardia species". GlobalRPH. Retrieved 2023-06-28.