Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (Nocardia caviae)

An aerobic gram-positive organism that develop rudimentary to branched vegetative filaments. The colonies are small, leathery and have very sparse aerial mycelium present. Colonies may be cream, grayish to peach-tan to purple and may produce an earthy odor. It has been isolated from soil, beach sand, house dust, plants, compost, and manure. It can cause human infections following inhalation, or by contamination of an area of trauma.

Back to Glossary Index Page