Disseminated Nocardia infection preceding diagnosis of human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 infection and acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a common retroviral infection associated with acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). This case report describes disseminated nocardiosis in an HTLV-1 carrier who later developed ATLL. In high-risk populations, latent HTLV-1 infection should be considered when an otherwise asymptomatic patient presents with an opportunistic infection. This is the first reported case of disseminated nocardiosis associated with HTLV-1 infection and ATLL.