Mycobacterium interjectum causing submandibular lymphadenitis in a child

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as pathogens in pediatric lymphadenitis.
• Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common NTM species causing infection in children.
• Advances in molecular diagnostics have identified rarer NTM species, such as Mycobacterium interjectum, as potential causes of pediatric adenitis.

Observation:

• This case report focuses on a pediatric patient with submandibular lymphadenitis.
• The causative agent was identified as Mycobacterium interjectum, a rare NTM species.
• In vitro testing revealed multi-drug resistance of the isolated M. interjectum strain.

Findings:

• Complete surgical excision of affected lymph nodes was the primary treatment modality.
• Despite in vitro multi-drug resistance, the patient achieved successful treatment outcomes.
• This case adds to the limited literature on Mycobacterium interjectum infections in children.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of accurate NTM species identification in pediatric lymphadenitis.
• Suggests that surgical management can be effective even in cases of multi-drug resistant NTM infections.
• Underscores the need for further research into the clinical spectrum and treatment of rare NTM infections in immunocompetent children.