TY - JOUR T1 - Nontuberculous mycobacteria – Respiratory specimens isolation and its clinical significance JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P2509 AU - Hans Dabó AU - Vanessa Santos AU - Anabela Marinho AU - Angelica Ramos AU - Teresa Carvalho AU - Manuela Ribeiro AU - Adelina Amorim Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P2509.abstract N2 - Introduction: Isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in respiratory specimens often poses challenges to the clinician.Objective: Identify and assess the clinical relevance of NTM respiratory isolation (ATS/IDSA criteria).Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients (pts) followed in Pulmonology department (Jan/08 to Dec/12), with isolation of NTM in at least one respiratory specimen (Jan/08 to Dec/12). Patients' identification made by review of medical files.Results: 202 pts were identified (407 isolates), 58.4% men, mean age 64 years (23-89). Pulmonary comorbidities: COPD 36%, bronchiectasis (BQ) 31% and sequelae of tuberculosis (ST) 20%. The species was identified in 378 pts: MAC 63%, M.gordonae 11%, M.peregrinum 9%, M.chelonae 7%, M.kansasii 3%, M.abscessus 3%, M.scrofulaceum 2% and others 2%. NTM were isolated in sputum in 95% pts, in bronchial lavage in 6%, bronchioalveolar in 4%, lung biopsy in 0.5% and gastric juice in 0.5%. Number of isolates/year: 2008 (52), 2009 (58) 2010 (74), 2011 (86) and 2012 (137). Treatment was performed in 18% pts (89% met the ATS/IDSA criteria): 61% men, mean age 62 years (32-89). Pulmonary comorbidities: COPD 33%, BQ 25% and ST 22%. The MNT treated were MAC in 94% pts, M. kansasii in 3% and M. xenopi in 3%. Two pts treated for MAC had further treatment for M. scrofulaceum and M. abscessus.Conclusion: The majority of patients did not fulfill the criteria for NTM lung disease. The MAC was the most frequently isolated and had greater clinical relevance. The progressive increase in the number of isolations of NTM is probably due to the development of methodologies for detection and increasing respiratory and systemic comorbidities. ER -