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Nocardia
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<p><i>Nocardia</i> is a <a href="/facts/Genus/m8EFjSms">genus</a> of weakly staining <a href="/facts/Gram-positive/H6WYQ17e">Gram-positive</a>, <a href="/facts/Catalase/CcJ9r5KG">catalase-positive</a>, rod-shaped <a href="/facts/Bacteria/wC8xSCsU">bacteria</a>. It forms partially <a href="/facts/Acid-fast/BYFNQREt">acid-fast</a> beaded branching filaments (appearing similar to fungi, but being truly bacteria). It contains a total of 85 species. Some species are nonpathogenic, while others are responsible for <a href="/facts/Nocardiosis/a6o1t7HR">nocardiosis</a>. <i>Nocardia</i> species are found worldwide in soil rich in organic matter. In addition, they are oral microflora found in healthy human <a href="/facts/Gums/4JhxlckG">gingiva</a>, as well as periodontal pockets. Most <i>Nocardia</i> infections are acquired by inhalation of the bacteria or through traumatic introduction through openings in <a href="/facts/Epithelium/ecKHcHC3">epithelial barriers</a>. </p>