The Potential Effects of Climate Change on Environmental Mycobacteria: a systematic review

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), or environmental mycobacteria, are commensals or opportunistic pathogens which have the potential to cause disease, especially in immunocompromised people, and are found in environmental reservoirs such as soil and water. Data suggests that the incidence of NTM infections is increasing globally which poses a public health threat as these infections can be severe and often occur in lower-middle income countries (LMICs) with limited access to treatment. Although several factors are likely to affect NTM incidence, emerging evidence suggests that climate change may be one under-studied driver. Variations in environmental conditions observed under projected climate change may promote altered patterns of NTM growth, distribution and virulence and hence influence incidence or pathophysiology of related infections and determine the most relevant control strategies. To date, there are no systematic reviews synthesising current knowledge regarding the influence of climate-induced environmental changes on NTM.