Increasing Incidence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Taiwan
Author Information
Author(s): Hernández-Garduño Eduardo, Elwood R. Kevin
Primary Institution: British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
Hypothesis
The study investigates the increase in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolates and patients with pulmonary NTM diseases after the implementation of a new laboratory technique.
Conclusion
The study found a gradual increase in the incidence of all NTM, particularly Mycobacterium avium complex and M. abscessus, which may be due to improved diagnostic methods and increased awareness of these pathogens.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 4,786 patients with NTM isolates, 76.9% were found to be colonized.
- Annual incidences of NTM colonization and disease increased significantly from 2000 to 2008.
- Mycobacterium avium complex was the most prevalent species, colonizing 34.8% of patients.
Takeaway
The number of people getting sick from certain bacteria in Taiwan is going up, and this might be because doctors are getting better at finding these bacteria.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from patients with NTM isolates treated at a hospital in Taiwan from 2000 to 2008.
Limitations
The study did not account for NTM colonization in its initial findings.
Participant Demographics
Patients treated at a hospital in Taiwan from 2000 to 2008.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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