Maximilian Seidl, Elham Bavafaye Haghighi, Anne Kathrin Lösslein, Markus Hufnagel, Florens Lohrmann, Christian Schneider, Daniela S Kohlfürst, Werner Zenz, Gregor Gorkiewicz, Cornelia Feiterna-Sperling, Renate Krüger, Peter Bronsert, Christina Neppl, Kim Zoe Sommer, Verena Stehl, Melanie Boerries, Martin Kuntz, Philipp Henneke
Abstract
Objectives: Infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in children usually affect the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. Although the infection is typically self-limiting, it carries a substantial risk of complications due to persistent inflammation and invasive therapeutic interventions. Yet, the immunopathogenesis of the disease is obscure, as are biomarkers guiding treatment decisions.
Methods: In this observational study, we analyzed histological samples collected in the NTMkids study to identify parameters associated with impaired wound healing and complicated disease progression. Samples from 33 patients (median age at first presentation 33 months) were investigated, with two consecutive biopsies in 9 patients.
Results: Germinal centers, a scattered distribution of granuloma associated CD4+ T-cells, higher CD8+ T-cell density inside the necrosis and foamy epitheloid cells were associated with a favorable outcome. Tissue damage presenting clinically as liquefaction was associated with an adverse outcome.
Conclusions: The identified tissue reaction patterns in NTM infections provide insights into the biology of NTM lymphadenitis in children and may aid in more precise treatment decisions
