Profiling non-tuberculous mycobacteria in an Asian setting: characteristics and clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients in Singapore

• DOI: 10.1186/s12890-018-0637-1
• Publication Date: 2018-05-22T15:16:29Z
• Authors: Albert Y. H. Lim; Sanjay H. Chotirmall; Eric T. K. Fok; Akash Verma; Partha P. De; Soon Keng Goh; Ser Hon Puah; Daryl E. L. Goh; John A. Abishegan...
• Keywords: Mycobacterium kansasii; Mycobacterium abscessus; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Mycobacterium fortuitum

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is an increasing problem worldwide. The epidemiology of NTM in most Asian countries unknown. This study investigated the epidemiology, and clinical profile inpatients whom was isolated from various anatomical sites a Singaporean population attending major tertiary referral centre. Demographic profile, data, characteristics patients hospitalized with isolates at hospital over two-year period were prospectively assessed (2011–2012). Data collected included patient demographics, ethnicity, smoking status, co-morbidities, species, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, mortality. A total 485 (62.1% male) 560 admissions analysed. median age 70 years. Thirteen different species this cohort. Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) (38.4%) frequently followed by fortuitum fortuitum) (16.6%), avium complex (MAC) (16.3%), kansasii kansasii) (15.4%), gordonae gordonae) (6.8%). Most (91%) respiratory tract. three common non-pulmonary were; blood (2.7%), skin wounds abscesses (2.1%), gastric aspirates (1.1%). third (34.4%) had prior pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). There significant association between (p = 0.0002). Eleven (2.2%) received treatment during all cause mortality within 1 year 16.9% (n 82). Of these, 72 (87.8%) died causes. Singapore unique. M. commonest isolated, higher prevalence males, elderly. High associated high rates PTB our