Factors predisposing to non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in the patients with respiratory isolates of non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Introduction An increasing incidence rate of respiratory isolates of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been noted recently in most European countries as well as in the US. Despite many publications, there is no consensus concerning the importance of different factors in promoting NTM lung disease (NTMLD). The aim of the present retrospective study was to analyse patients with positive NTM respiratory isolates in search of factors predisposing to NTMLD. Material and methods 73 patients, 23 males, 50 females, median age 62.2 years, in whom NTM have been cultured from respiratory specimen (sputum and/or bronchial washings), in the period 2010-2015, entered the study. Results NTMLD (according to ATS/IDSA) has been recognised in 36 patients, airways colonisation by NTM - in 37 patients. NTMLD was diagnosed more often in the patients infected with M. kansasii, M. abscessus and M. avium/M. intracellulare comparing to those infected with M.xenopi, M. gordonae and M. fortuitum (p Conclusions The risk factors of NTMLD recognition in the presented group of patients were the following: female gender, M. kansasii isolation, as well as past tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis.