Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections of the Cheek

Researchers describe a series of seven children with such infections. Recovery took many months, and clarithromycin did not seem to hasten resolution.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are commonly encountered in pediatric practice. Many are cervicofacial infections — frequently, cervicofacial lymphadenitis. Investigators recently described a series of children with NTM cheek infections.

Reviewing clinical and microbiological data from one Israeli institution from 1985 to 2008, the investigators discovered seven children (ages 1.0–3.3 years) with NTM cheek lesions. All presented after 2003, and none had an underlying medical condition. They represented 5.6% of 124 children with cervicofacial NTM infections seen at that institution during the review period. All were referred because they had failed to respond to antibiotic therapy.

Specimens for culture were obtained by fine-need…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections of the Cheek

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Reviewing Author