YELLOW-PIGMENTED PATHOGENIC MYCOBACTERIA FROM CERVICAL LYMPHADENITIS

Abstract

Among 14 strains of yellow-pigmented acid- and alcohol-fast rods isolated from human pathological materials, 10 strains from tuberculoid lesions of cervical or facial lymphadenitis in children merit particular interest. They were compared with some of the mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and with Nocardia. On the basis of morphology, staining properties, cultural characteristics, pathogenicity, and allergic reactions in laboratory animals, they have been placed in the genus Mycobacterium. However, the degree and quality of their differences from other named species of the genus as observed under the present experimental conditions, and the fact of their isolation in pure culture from closed lesions, has led to the proposal that they be given the name Mycobacterium scrofulaceum n. sp.