Risk Factors and Characteristics of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections

Aim: Infections caused by nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) are extremely prevalent in nature and challenging to identify and treat. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and risk factors of NTM. Methods: The present investigation was carried out using 5-year retrospective data in a tertiary university hospital. The study comprised 29 individuals with radiological and clinical signs of NTM infection that were confirmed by microbiological testing. These patients' clinical, laboratory, radiological, and sociodemographic information was documented. Results: The patients' average age was 58.31 ± 14.31 years, and 62.1% of them were men. Cough, weakness, and fever were the most prevalent symptoms, and hypertension and chronic lung disease were the most prevalent comorbidities. M. Kansasii, M. Fortuitum, and M. Abscessus were the most commonly isolated NTM species. HIV, treatment type, and treatment duration were determined to be the most significant factors influencing treatment response (p=0.018, p=0.002, p=0.001, respectively). Two (6.9%) of our patients passed away during the follow-up period, and it was discovered that a high sedimentation rate, a high Charlson comorbidity index score, and a lengthy interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis were all linked to death (p=0.010, p=0.002, and p=0.000, respectively). Conclusion: NTM lung disease should be established, contamination should be ruled out, and if the pathogen is found, species-specific and sufficient treatment should be given to patients with NTM risk factors and relevant clinical, radiologic, and laboratory results.