Question: Who is at risk for Nocardiosis? ?
Answer: People with very weak immune (body defense) systems are at risk for getting nocardiosis. Several diseases and circumstances can cause the immune system to be weak. These include: - Diabetes - Cancer - HIV/AIDS - Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (an illness that causes the air sacs of the lungs to become plugged) - Connective tissue disorder (a disease that affects the tissue that connects and supports different parts of the body) - Alcoholism - Having a bone marrow or solid organ transplant - Taking high doses of drugs called corticosteroids In the United States, it has been estimated that 500-1,000 new cases of nocardiosis infection occur every year. Approximately 60% of nocardiosis cases are associated with pre-existing immune compromise. In addition, men have a greater risk of getting the infection than women; for every female who gets sick with nocardiosis, there are about 3 males who get the disease.
Source: CDC