Related Experiment Videos
Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis in childhood
1Department of Microbiology, Medical College, Amritsar.
Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 30, 2003
Summary
Chronic cervical lymphadenitis in children is often caused by mycobacteria. Complete bacteriological examination is crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially for atypical mycobacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Chronic cervical lymphadenitis is a common condition in children.
- Histopathology is the primary diagnostic tool, but can be inconclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiological etiology of chronic cervical lymphadenitis in children.
- To evaluate the role of histopathology versus bacteriology in diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of 190 pediatric cervical lymphadenitis cases.
- Bacteriological analysis, including smear and culture, for mycobacterial identification.
Main Results:
- Tuberculous etiology confirmed in 48.4% via histopathology.
- Bacteriological evidence of mycobacterial infection found in 22.1%.
- Atypical mycobacteria identified in 25% of positive cultures, with M. scrofulaceum predominant.
Conclusions:
- Histopathology alone is insufficient for diagnosing mycobacterial lymphadenitis.
- Complete bacteriological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis, particularly for atypical mycobacteria.
- Early and accurate diagnosis impacts appropriate treatment strategies for pediatric cervical lymphadenitis.