Subretinal abscess due to Nocardia farcinica infection

Purpose: Nocardia infection of the eye is uncommon. A case of choroidal abs cess due to Nocardia farcinica infection is presented, and the literature i s reviewed. Methods: A 41-year-old immunocompromised man with chronic myeloid leukemia developed a unilateral choroidal abscess. N. farcinica was isolated from a simultaneous subcutaneous abscess and both infections responded to systemic sulfonamide therapy. Results: Three weeks after discontinuation of the sulfonamides, the choroid al abscess recurred with involvement of the vitreous. The infection was bro ught under control after reinstitution of the same drug. Conclusions: Nocardiosis is a multisystem disease that has high mortality a nd ocular morbidity rates. The eyes of immunocompromised patients should be examined frequently as early detection and administration of the proper an tibiotics may reduce the risk of this life-threatening infection.