Report of human nocardiosis in Italy between 1993 and 1997.

During a 5-year period, from 1993 to 1997, nocardial infection was diagnosed in 26 patients admitted to hospitals in 11 cities in Italy. Pathogens were identified as Nocardia asteroides in 18 cases, as N. farcinica in five cases, as N. nova in two and as N. brasiliensis in one case. All cases were difficult to diagnose, as usually it happens with this disease: physicians have to be alert to suspect nocardial infection so that appropriate therapy can be early given. This is the second retrospective report on Nocardia spp. infection conducted in Italy, suggesting the utility to organise a permanent network for a national survey system for nocardiosis.