MYCOBACTERIAL SPECIES CAUSING CERVICOFACIAL INFECTION IN TURKEY

The aim of the study was to determine the mycobacterial species causin g cervical lymphadenitis at Cukurova University Hospital, Adana, Turke y. To this end, culture and differential tests were performed on excis ional or incisional biopsy specimens from patients with mycobacterial cervical disease (MCD). The diagnosis was confirmed by skin tests, his topathological examination and positive cultures. In 15 of 40 cases di agnosed as MCD, mycobacteria were isolated in Lowenstein-Jensen medium . The etiological agents were tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 9 cases and M. bovis in 3 cases). Of the 3 non-tubercu lous cases, 2 were due to M. kansasii and the other to M.fortuitum. An tituberculous chemotherapy was given in all cases over an average peri od of 18 months. A combination of three of four drugs was used includi ng isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampin and/or streptomycin. At the end a f ollow-up period of at least 3 years, there were no recurrences or pers istences of infection and no surgical treatment was necessary to remov e residual lymph nodes.