ICD-10 Code A43.9 | Nocardiosis, unspecified Symptoms, Diagnosis, Billing

Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, and skin lesions. Patients may also experience fatigue and malaise, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and microbiological cultures to identify Nocardia species. A thorough patient history is also essential to assess risk factors.

Nocardiosis is not considered contagious. It primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, and the bacteria are usually acquired from environmental sources.

Treatment usually involves long-term antibiotic therapy, primarily with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Alternative antibiotics may be used based on susceptibility testing.