Nocardiosis is an infection caused by bacteria (Nocardia) which live in the soil. If inhaled, the bacteria may cause pneumonia, which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis) and the spread of nocardiosis to other organs of the body. This is called disseminated nocardiosis. People with compromised immune systems, such as people with cancer or those taking steroids or immunosuppressive medications, are at risk for disseminated nocardiosis.
Nocardia may also infect the skin through a cut, puncture wound, or scratch that occurs while working outdoors or gardening. The skin infections, which may take different forms, are called cutaneous nocardiosis. Occupational exposure to soil, as in field work, landscaping, and farming, increases the risk of contracting cutaneous nocardiosis
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