[Infections with mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis in children]

We reviewed case records of 22 children who were diagnosed as having nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. All children were previously healthy. In 20 cases the infection presented as cervical lymphadenitis. The patients were between ten months and 14 years old, and two thirds were between 13 and 36 months old. The majority (74%) were girls. Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare was isolated most frequently (55%). The report describes the diagnosis and treatment of childhood mycobacterial cervical adenopathy. All patients except one were treated surgically. We found considerable differences in both preoperative and operative management. When excision of the lymph node (as opposed to needle biopsy) was performed, diagnosis could be made earlier and repeated surgical procedures could be avoided.