Mycobacterium haemophilum and Lymphadenitis in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Yishai Haimi Cohen, Jacob Amir, Shai Ashkenazi, T. Eidlitz-Markus, Z. Samra, L. Kaufmann, A. Zeharia
Primary Institution: Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children?
Conclusion
The study found a nearly 4-fold increase in the recovery rate of nontuberculous mycobacteria from lymph nodes of immunocompetent children, primarily due to Mycobacterium haemophilum.
Supporting Evidence
- The study observed a 4-fold increase in nontuberculous mycobacteria isolates from 1985 to 2006.
- 39 children were infected with Mycobacterium haemophilum, while 29 had M. avium complex.
- Children with M. haemophilum infection were significantly older than those with MAC infection.
Takeaway
Doctors found that a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium haemophilum is making more kids sick with swollen lymph nodes, especially older kids.
Methodology
The study involved searching a microbiology database for NTM-positive cervical lymph node cultures and reviewing patient records from 1985 to 2006.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in patient selection and laboratory processing methods prior to 1996.
Limitations
The study is limited to a single center in Israel and may not represent broader geographic trends.
Participant Demographics
The study included 77 children aged 8 months to 15.5 years, with a near-equal distribution of boys and girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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