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Starting off 2021 with some #medmicro Nocardia fun facts 
This aerobic actinomycetes genera is a saprophytic, strictly aerobic, gram positive bacilli found worldwide.
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This aerobic actinomycetes genera is a saprophytic, strictly aerobic, gram positive bacilli found worldwide.
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On gram stain it shows beaded, long filamentous rods.
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Nocardia species are partially acid fast => mycolic acid chains are shorter than other mycobacterium
The strong acid (3% HCl-OH) used in regular AFB stain de-colorizes Nocardia
The weak acid in modified/partial AFB stains (1% H2SO4-OH) leaves the carbol fushin intact
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The strong acid (3% HCl-OH) used in regular AFB stain de-colorizes Nocardia
The weak acid in modified/partial AFB stains (1% H2SO4-OH) leaves the carbol fushin intact
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Nocardia colonies typically grow in 2-7 days on most media (BAP, CHOC, CNA and BCYE)
Colonies are dry, wrinkled chalky: white to pink orange when mature
Unique among partial acid fast actinomycetes for throwing up aerial mycelium
(as seen on dissecting scope)
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Colonies are dry, wrinkled chalky: white to pink orange when mature
Unique among partial acid fast actinomycetes for throwing up aerial mycelium
(as seen on dissecting scope)4/4
