Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections among Cystic Fibrosis Patients, Israel
2008

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Israel

Sample size: 186 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Levy Isaac, Grisaru-Soen Galia, Lerner-Geva Liat, Kerem Eitan, Blau Hana, Bentur Lea, Aviram Micha, Rivlin Joseph, Picard Elie, Lavy Anita, Yahav Yakov, Rahav Galia

Primary Institution: Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections among cystic fibrosis patients in Israel?

Conclusion

The prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections is increasing among cystic fibrosis patients in Israel.

Supporting Evidence

  • The prevalence of NTM isolates was found to be 22.6%.
  • Patients with NTM were older and had more severe disease markers.
  • Presence of Aspergillus spp. in sputum was a significant predictor for NTM isolation.
  • Patients with NTM had longer hospital stays and more exposure to antimicrobial treatments.
  • Different species of NTM were isolated, with M. simiae being the most common.

Takeaway

Doctors studied 186 cystic fibrosis patients in Israel to see how many had infections from certain bacteria. They found that more patients are getting these infections.

Methodology

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing sputum samples from cystic fibrosis patients across Israeli medical centers.

Potential Biases

Testing for NTM may have been performed preferentially on patients showing clinical deterioration.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and may be limited by ascertainment bias, and not all patients were evaluated for NTM.

Participant Demographics

Patients were cystic fibrosis patients over 5 years of age, with a total of 468 patients screened.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.07

Confidence Interval

95% CI 16.2–27.9

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1403.061405

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