Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis एक प्रकार का lymph node infection है जो cervical lymph nodes (गर्दन की लिम्फ़ नोड्स) को प्रभावित करता है।
- मुख्य कारण Mycobacterium tuberculosis (टीबी बैक्टीरिया) या Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) होते हैं।
- इसे आम भाषा में Tuberculous Lymphadenitis या Scrofula भी कहते हैं।
- यह children और immunocompromised adults में अधिक पाया जाता है।
- Untreated cases में abscess formation और sinus tract भी बन सकता है।
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis क्या है (What is it)
- Cervical lymph nodes में tuberculous या atypical mycobacterial infection
- Slow-growing, chronic infection
- Leads to enlarged, firm, sometimes painless lymph nodes
- Rarely, nodes may rupture and discharge pus
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis कारण (Causes)
1. Tuberculosis Infection
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis – primary cause in endemic countries
- Spread via lymphatic system from lungs or other focus
2. Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. scrofulaceum
- Usually affects children or immunocompromised individuals
3. Risk Factors
- Malnutrition
- HIV / immunodeficiency
- Close contact with TB patients
- Young age (<15 years)
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis लक्षण (Symptoms of Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis)
- Painless swelling in neck, usually unilateral
- Gradual enlargement over weeks or months
- Firm, matted lymph nodes
- Sometimes tender if secondary infection develops
- Skin over node may thicken, redness rare
- Rare: Sinus tract formation and pus discharge
- Systemic TB symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats) – occasionally
In children, it often presents as isolated neck swelling without systemic symptoms।
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis)
- Clinical Examination – firm, painless cervical lymph nodes
- Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) – granulomatous inflammation with caseation
- Excisional Biopsy – confirms TB / mycobacterial infection
- Microbiological Tests – Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) staining, culture, PCR
- Chest X-ray – to rule out pulmonary TB
- Blood Tests – CBC, ESR; HIV testing if immunocompromised
Early and accurate diagnosis prevents abscess formation and chronic sinus।
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis इलाज (Treatment)
1. Anti-Tubercular Therapy (ATT)
- Standard TB regimen for 6–9 months
- First-line drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol
2. Surgical Intervention
- Only if:
- Abscess formation
- Sinus tract development
- Non-responsive nodes after adequate medical therapy
- Procedures: Excisional biopsy or drainage
3. Supportive Care
- Pain management
- Nutritional support
- Monitor for side effects of ATT
Surgery alone is not recommended without full course ATT, as recurrence risk is high।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- BCG vaccination in children
- Early detection and treatment of pulmonary TB
- Avoid close contact with untreated TB patients
- Good hygiene and nutrition
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Complete full course of anti-TB drugs
- Regular follow-up to monitor response
- Avoid self-medication
- Watch for sinus formation or rapid enlargement
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. यह contagious है?
Cervical lymph node TB itself less contagious, but underlying pulmonary TB can spread via droplets।
Q2. Surgery जरूरी है?
Usually नहीं, only if abscess or sinus develops या medical therapy fail हो।
Q3. Treatment कितना समय लेता है?
Standard ATT usually 6–9 months, improvement कुछ हफ्तों में visible होती है।
Q4. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria cases अलग कैसे होते हैं?
Usually slower, may require longer antibiotics and sometimes surgery; systemic symptoms rare।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Mycobacterial Cervical Lymphadenitis (माइकोबैक्टीरियल सर्वाइकल लिम्फ़ेडेनाइटिस) एक treatable condition है।
Early diagnosis, full-course anti-TB therapy, supportive care और timely surgical intervention से complications और recurrence को prevent किया जा सकता है।
यदि persistent neck swelling दिखाई दे, तो तुरंत pediatrician, ENT या infectious disease specialist से consultation करें।