Atypical mycobacteria

The atypical mycobacteria are common human saprophytes. Their presence, particularly in a healthy person, is not associated with disease. In the child they cause two conditions, cervical adenitis and swimming-pool granuloma. Both of these diseases tend to be localized and nonprogressive. The former can be treated with reasonably nontoxic drugs; if this falls, total excision can be employed. The latter is best left to heal by itself. Occasionally, the atypical mycobacteria will cause widespread systemic disease, particularly in the patient whose immunity has been compromised.