Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in children - Epidemiology, diagnosis & management at a tertiary center

Abstract

Background: There are limited data on the epidemiology, diagnosis and optimal management of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease in children. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of NTM cases over a 10-year-period at a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. Results: A total of 140 children with NTM disease, including 107 with lymphadenitis and 25 with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), were identified. The estimated incidence of NTM disease was 0.6-1.6 cases / 100,000 children / year; no increasing trend was observed over the study period. Temporal analyses revealed a seasonal incidence cycle around 12 months, with peaks in late winter/spring and troughs in autumn. Mycobacterium..