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Scrofula - Overview

Alternative Names

Tuberculous adenitis

Definition of Scrofula:

Scrofula is a tuberculous infection of the skin on the neck.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Scrofula in adults is most often caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In children, it is usually caused by Mycobacterium scrofulaceum or Mycobacterium avium.

Infection with mycobacteria is usually caused by breathing in air that is contaminated by these organisms.

Reviewed last on: 9/28/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Pastermack MS, Swartz MN. Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005: chap 88.

Starke JR, Munoz FM. Tuberculosis (mycobacterium tuberculosis). In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 212.

Powell DA. Nontuberculous mycobacteria. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 214.

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