Definition:
Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of a lymph node in the body. It is often a complication of a bacterial infection of a wound, although it can also be brought about by viruses or other disease agents.
Diagnosis:
A physical exam and laboratory tests may be done to diagnose the problem.
Treatment:
The medications given for lymphadenitis differ according to the bacterium or virus that is causing it. If the patient also has lymphangitis, he or she will be treated with antibiotics, typically penicillin G (Pfizerpen, Pentids), nafcillin (Nafcil, Unipen), or cephalosporins.
Symptoms and Signs:
The early symptoms of lymphadenitis are swelling of the nodes brought about by a buildup of tissue fluid and an increased number of white blood cells resulting from the body's response to the infection.
Causes:
Streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria are the most common causes of lymphadenitis, although viruses, protozoa, rickettsiae, fungi, and the tuberculosis bacillus can also affect the lymph nodes. Diseases or disorders that involve lymph nodes in certain areas of the body include rabbit fever (tularemia), cat-scratch disease, lymphogranuloma venereum, chancroid, genital herpes, infected acne, dental abscesses, and bubonic plague.
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