- Authors:
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.jcf.2014.08.002
- Abstract:
- BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an emerging threat to cystic fibrosis (CF) patients but their epidemiology is not well described. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study we identified all Scandinavian CF patients with a positive NTM culture from airway secretions from 2000 to the end of 2012 and used national CF databases to describe microbiological and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: During the 13-year period 157 (11%) CF patients were culture positive for NTM at least once. Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) (45%) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (32%) were the predominant species with geographical differences in distribution. Younger patients were more prone to MABSC (p<0.01). Despite treatment, less than one-third of MABSC patients with repeated positive cultures cleared their infection and a quarter had a lung transplant or died. CONCLUSION: NTM are significant CF pathogens and are becoming more prevalent in Scandinavia. MABSC and MAC appear to target distinct patient groups. Having multiple positive cultures despite treatment conveys a poor outcome.
- Type:
- Journal article
- Language:
- English
- Published in:
- Journal of Cystic Fibrosis, 2015, Vol 14, Issue 1, p. 46-52
- Keywords:
- Journal Article; Multicenter Study; Observational Study; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Main Research Area:
- Medical science
- Publication Status:
- Published
- Review type:
- Peer Review
- Submission year:
- 2015
- Scientific Level:
- Scientific
- ID:
- 270537059