Retrospective review of culture-positive mycobacterial lymphadenitis cases in children in Nottingham, 1979-1990.

Laboratory records were reviewed retrospectively for culture-positive cases of mycobacterial lymphadenitis in children less than 15 years old. There were six cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and 15 cases of infection with other mycobacteria. There were no clinical features to distinguish tuberculous from non-tuberculous cases. All cases managed by chest physicians were initially treated as tuberculosis, whereas paediatric specialists were likely to use initial management appropriate to the infecting organism. Methods of improving the initial management of non-tuberculous infections are discussed.