Peritonsillar abscess caused by Nocardia asteroides.

A 22-year-old man with recurrent pharyngitis developed a peritonsillar abscess from which aspirated material yielded a pure culture of Nocardia asteroides. It is likely that the organism was introduced iatrogenically during a prior tonsillar incision. Although unusual, Nocardia species should be considered and microbiological specimens should be handled appropriately in pharyngeal abscesses that respond poorly to conventional therapy.