Abstract
Background: pNTM represents a hetrogenous group of species with varying pathogenicity, making management challenging.
Aims: To describe the distribution and clinical features of species causing pNTM.
Methods: pNTM cases were identified and recruited from a tertiary referral clinic over 6 months. They underwent clinical assessment and lung function testing.
Results: 57 cases were recruited; their details are shown in table 1. There was significant variation in species amongst disease groups (p=0.0004) with M. avium complex (MAC) more common in bronchiectasis and M. xenopi in COPD. There was also variation between sex (p=0.024), with MAC more common in females and M. abscessus in men. There were no significant differences in lung function, BMI, SGRQ or the proportion requiring treatment.
Conclusion: Species vary with underlying disease. Despite perceived differences in pathogenicity, the proportion requiring treatment did not vary significantly between species.
- © 2013 ERS