NON-TUBERCOLOUS MYCOBACTERIAL LYMPHADENITIS

Key words: Lymphadenitis, Non tubercolous mycobacteria

Non-tubercolous mycobacteria (NTMB) are responsible for 6,2% of all diseases due to mycobacteria in Italy. Lymphadenitis is the most common infection due to NTBs. Differential diagnosis must be made with tubercolous lymphadenitis, cat-scatch disease, and toxoplasmosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed (skin test for NTMB is suggested) surgical excision is the recommended treatment. Antibiotics are indicated only in patients where surgery can not be complete or in immunocompromised patients. Nine paediatric cases are described.