Clinical Characteristics, Species Distribution, and Drug Resistance of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Lung Disease in Qingdao, China

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics, species distribution and drug resistance of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease in Qingdao, China. Methods Clinical data of patients with NTM lung disease and pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) treated at Qingdao Chest Hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The prevalence of NTM lung disease was 8.03%, with a high rate of drug resistance during the study period. Patients with NTM lung disease had higher rates of older age, bronchiectasis, malignancy, HIV infection and bronchial dilatation shadow and lower rates of hollow shadow compared to patients with pulmonary TB. Conclusion Comprehensive understanding of NTM lung disease, improved laboratory testing techniques and appropriate treatment regimens are essential for the management of NTM lung disease.