A Primary Cutaneous Nocardiosis of the Hand

Nocardiosis is caused by an aerobic actinomycete, most commonly introduced through the respiratory tract. The Nocardiae are gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria. Primary cutaneous nocardiosis infections are rare and caused by the traumatic introduction of organisms percutaneously. The manifestation is usually an opportunistic infection. Cutaneous involvement may develop as one of four types: mycetoma, lymphocutaneous infection, superficial skin infection, or systemic disease with cutaneous involvement. Diagnosis and evaluation of appropriate specimens are principally by culture