The causes of Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually follow
viral infection with the common cold, or with
infection by Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudo tuberculosis, Streptococcus viridansor Campylobacter jejuni.
The bugs gain access to the wall of the intestine, and invade the lymph nodes on the covering of the intestines called the mesentery.
The small intestine is frequently more involved, but the large intestines or colon may also be involved.