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Published on: September 5, 2017

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in children: a prospective national study

Christopher C Blyth1, Emma J Best, Cheryl A Jones

  • 1Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|July 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections in Australian children are rare, often affecting young, healthy individuals. Complete surgical excision offers the best treatment success, though recurrence remains a concern.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections in Australian children lack established epidemiological data and management guidelines.
  • Understanding the scope of NTM disease in this demographic is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and management outcomes of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in Australian children.
  • To identify risk factors and treatment efficacies for NTM infections in pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • A nationwide active surveillance network identified pediatric NTM cases from July 2004 to June 2007.
  • Detailed clinical data, including diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, were collected from reported cases.

Main Results:

  • 102 pediatric NTM cases were analyzed, with lymphadenitis being the most common presentation (68 cases).
  • Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex was the most frequently isolated NTM species (48.5%).
  • Complete surgical excision demonstrated a significantly higher treatment success rate (OR: 9.48) compared to other therapies.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of NTM infection in Australian children is estimated at 0.84 per 100,000.
  • Infections predominantly affect young children without significant predisposing conditions.
  • Despite treatment, a recurrence rate of 23.4% was observed, highlighting the need for effective management strategies.
Abstract

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