Clinical Significance, Species Distribution, and Temporal Trends of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Denmark, 1991–2022

Victor Naestholt Dahl*, Andreas Arnholdt Pedersen, Anders Norman, E. Michael Rasmussen, Jakko van Ingen, Aase Bengaard Andersen, Christian Morberg Wejse, Troels Lillebaek

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging as notable causative agents of opportunistic infections. To examine clinical significance, species distribution, and temporal trends of NTM in Denmark, we performed a nationwide register-based study of all unique persons with NTM isolated in the country during 1991–2022. We categorized patients as having definite disease, possible disease, or isolation by using a previously validated method. The incidence of pulmonary NTM increased throughout the study period, in contrast to earlier findings. Mycobacterium malmoense, M. kansasii, M. szulgai, and M. avium complex were the most clinically significant species based on microbiologic findings; M. avium dominated in incidence. This study shows the need for surveillance for an emerging infection that is not notifiable in most countries, provides evidence to support clinical decision-making, and highlights the importance of not considering NTM as a single entity.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases
Volume30
Issue9
Pages (from-to)1755-1762
Number of pages8
ISSN1080-6040
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

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