Atypical cervico-facial mycobacterial infections in childhood

• Published in: British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 119 - 122
• Main Authors: Makhani, S., Kerawala, C.J., Postlethwaite, K.R., Renny, N.M.C., Carton, A.T.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Londonc Elsevier Ltd 01.04.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Algorithms; Amikacin - therapeutic use; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Bacterial diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Ciprofloxacin; Clarithromycin - therapeutic use; Dentistry; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Combinations; Face; Female; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphadenitis - microbiology; Medical sciences; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - diagnosis; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - therapy; Neck; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria - isolation & purification; Skin Tests; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination - therapeutic use; Tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infections; Human; Mycobacterium; Pediatrics; Case study; Infection; Antibiotic; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Exeresis; Mycobacteriales; Surgery; Adenopathy; Adolescent; Mycobacteriaceae; Unilateral; Bacteria; ENT disease; Female; Actinomycetes; Atypical; Cervicofacial; Neck; Child
• ISSN: 0266-4356; 1532-1940
• DOI: 10.1016/S0266-4356(98)90179-6

We describe three patients who presented with atypical mycobacterial infection. Although antituberculous drugs are ineffective, combination treatment with clarithromycin or amikacin and ciprofloxacin (with or without cotrimoxazole) leads to eventual resolution of the lesions. The treatment of choice, however, remains complete excision of the affected area which obviates the need for prolonged chemotherapy and minimizes the scarring which may otherwise develop after conservative treatment.