What is the recommended treatment for Nocardia infections?

The recommended treatment for Nocardia infections is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). Nocardia species are gram-positive bacteria that can cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. TMP/SMX is a sulfonamide antibiotic that acts synergistically by inhibiting folic acid synthesis, which is crucial for bacterial growth and replication.

This treatment is effective due to the inherent sensitivity of Nocardia species to sulfonamides. While alternative treatments like amoxicillin and doxycycline may have some activity against other bacterial pathogens, they are not the first-line therapies for Nocardia. Additionally, IV ceftriaxone is not typically used for Nocardia infections as this antibiotic primarily targets gram-negative bacteria and may not penetrate effectively to treat Nocardia.

In summary, TMP/SMX is the cornerstone of therapy for Nocardia infections due to its effectiveness and established clinical guidelines recommending its use.