Disease in children due to mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

An intensive search for cases of atypical mycobacteriosis in children less than 17 years of age was made. Two large groups of cases have been reported: swimming pool granulomas due to Mycobacterium marinum, and superficial adenitis predominantly cervical and due chiefly to organisms of Runyon Groups II and III. As in adults, disseminated disease is uncommon. Details of 12 cases of generalized disease and 7 cases of chronic osteomyelitis are presented. Six cases of meningitis are reported. In contrast to adults in whom pulmonary disease is the most common form of infection, very few documented cases have been reported in children. Most of the reported cases in children apparently represent disease at the portal of entry.