The Pathogenic Role of Anti-Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Autoantibodies in the Nocardiosis with the Central Nervous System Involvement.

The presence of anti-GM-CSF Abs suggests an intrinsic immunodeficiency predisposing individuals toward CNS nocardiosis. The presence of anti-GM-CSF Abs helps to elucidate vulnerability to CNS nocardiosis, even with low titer of autoantibodies. Consequently, systematic screening for anti-GM-CSF Abs should be considered a crucial diagnostic step for nocardiosis patients.