Solunum yolu kültür örneklerinde tüberküloz dışı mikobakteri (NTM) üreyen hastaların klinik, radyolojik ve mikrobiyolojik özelliklerinin değerlendirilmesi

Aims: This study aimed to look at the clinical, imaging, and microbiological features of patients with non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) growth in respiratory samples and to identify the factors that might help in distinguishing the difference between infection and colonization. Methods: This retrospective study included 85 patients with NTM growth in respiratory tract samples (sputum, bronchial lavage/bronchoalveolar lavage) between January 2017 and March 2025. Demographic data, comorbidities, radiological findings, and microbiological results were analyzed. The diagnosis of NTM infection was made based on the ATS/ERS/ESCMID/IDSA clinical practice guidelines, which consider clinical, radiological, and microbiological criteria. Results: Among the 85 patients, 55.3% were diagnosed with infection and 44.7% with colonization. The most common comorbidities were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (47.1%), bronchiectasis (37.6%), and hypertension (31.8%). Radiological findings included infiltration (51.8%), nodules (50.6%), bronchiectasis (37.6%), and cavitation (20%). Infiltration (p=0.013) and cavitation (p=0.012) were significantly more frequent in the infection group, while bronchiectasis (p=0.010) and asthma (p=0.045) were more prevalent in the colonization group. Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusion: In line with previous literature, this study confirms that NTM infections are commonly associated with structural lung diseases such as COPD and bronchiectasis. Radiological findings, particularly cavitation and infiltration, play an important role in the diagnosis of infection. A comprehensive evaluation of clinical, radiological, and microbiological data is essential for differentiating NTM infection from colonization. Distinguishing colonization from active infection prevents unnecessary treatments. It reduces healthcare costs. It protects patients from the possible side effects of antibiotics.