[The detection of mycobacteria in children and adolescents by using the polymerase chain reaction].

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for determination of mycobacterial DNA in clinical samples from children and adolescents. The results were positive in 23 and 53% of cases, respectively, while standard microbiological methods failed to show presence of any bacteria in the samples. Case histories contained information on high incidence of positive Mantoux test. Microbiologically the diagnosis was confirmed only in 7 adolescents. In children mycobacteria were not found.