Nocardia brasiliensis infections in humans characteristically produce which feature?

• A. Carbuncles
• B. Draining cutaneous sinuses
• C. Septic shock
• D. Serous effusions

Answer: (B)

Nocardia brasiliensis tends to cause chronic cutaneous infection after soil or plant trauma, and its hallmark is the development of draining sinus tracts in the skin. The infection prompts granulomatous inflammation that slowly breaks down and forms sinus openings through which purulent material—often containing sulfur granules—drains. This draining sinus pattern is the classic feature of nocardial mycetoma and cutaneous nocardiosis, setting it apart from other skin infections.

Carbuncles are deep abscesses typically from Staphylococcus aureus, septic shock reflects a systemic, life-threatening response, and serous effusions involve fluid accumulation in body cavities rather than localized draining skin lesions.