Global Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) isolation and pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) have continued to increase in most regions of the world, driven mainly by Mycobacterium avium . Single-center studies also support increasing trends as well as a persistent burden of undiagnosed NTM among persons suspected of having tuberculosis (TB), in countries with moderate-to-high TB prevalence. Cumulative exposure to water and soil presents an increased risk to susceptible hosts, and trace metals in water supply are recently recognized risk factors. Establishing standard case definitions for subnational and national surveillance systems with mandatory notification of NTM-PD are needed to allow comparisons within and across countries and regions.