Nocardia-induced granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor is neutralized by autoantibodies in disseminated/extrapulmonary nocardiosis.

Background: Nocardia species cause infections in both immunocompromised and otherwise immunocompetent patients, although the mechanisms defining susceptibility in the latter group are elusive. Anticytokine autoantibodies are an emerging cause of pathogen-specific susceptibility in previously healthy human immunodeficiency virus-uninfected adults, including anti-granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) autoantibodies with cryptococcal meningitis.

Methods: Plasma from patients with disseminated/extrapulmonary nocardiosis and healthy controls was screened for anticytokine autoantibodies using a particle-based approach.

Primary amebic meningoencephalitis deaths associated with sinus irrigation using contaminated tap water.

Background: Naegleria fowleri is a climate-sensitive, thermophilic ameba found in the environment, including warm, freshwater lakes and rivers. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is almost universally fatal, occurs when N. fowleri-containing water enters the nose, typically during swimming, and N.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a lung transplant recipient.

Cryptococcal skin lesions are found in 10 to 15% of patients with disseminated cryptococcosis. Primary skin inoculation by Cryptococcus neoformans is rare but has been reported. We report the first known case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in a lung transplant recipient.

Innovative medical management with resection for successful treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis despite diagnostic delay.

We present a case of primary pulmonary mucormycosis infection in a renal transplant recipient diagnosed serendipitously by computed tomography scan. Treatment included discontinuation of immunosuppressive regimen, initiation of antifungal therapy with amphotericin B lipid complex, administration of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, surgical excision of the involved lobe, and outpatient treatment with amphotericin B with dialysis. The patient ultimately required transplant nephrectomy as a result of immunosuppression discontinuation.