Abstract
Non tuberculosis mycobacterial infections (NTM) with chronic pulmonary diseases have increased in recent years. HIV infections and other co-morbid pulmonary diseases seem to be responsible for this relation as well as improvement in diagnostic techniques. Prolonged life time in COPD and cystic fibrosis generates special risk. NTM colonisation may cause clinical infection and progression in destructive pulmonary diseases.The objective of this study is to evaluate the NTM growth ratio and clinical features of these patients.
In our laboratory, approximately 25.000 specimens are cultured yearly with classic method (Lowenstein-Jensen). In this retrospective analyse, 185 NTM (1.58 %) were identified in 11.681 tuberculosis culture positive specimens between 2004 and 2009.
Results:33 patient files were examined out of 55 patients with NTM infection. Seven patients were female, 26 were male. Fifteen patients were ≥ 65 years old and the others were < 65 years old. COPD, bronchiectasis. diabetes mellitus, malignancy, HCV infection were diagnosed in 10, 10, 6, 8 and 1 patients, respectively. Nodules, cavitary lesions and fibrosis were seen in computerised tomographies of 31 patients and in x- rays of two patients. In only 7 of 55 patient's cultures were identified as M. abscessus (2), M. szulgai(3), M. intracellulare(1), M. xenopi(1). Thirty-one patients with NTM (93.39 %) had chronic systemic or pulmonary diseases.
Conclusion: In future, the ratio of diagnosing and treatment of NTM infections in older immun- competent patients with chronic diseases are going to be increased with developing laboratory tests, CT and the awareness of togetherness of NTM infections and chronic diseases.
- © 2012 ERS
