Extract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens causing disease in humans; however, not everyone exposed develops disease [1]. Those with underlying pulmonary diseases, persons over 60 years old, and women have an increased risk for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) [1, 2]. Bronchiectasis is a lung condition characterised by chronic airway dilation and inflammation resulting in impaired mucus clearance and associated with NTM-PD [1–3]. Both NTM-PD and bronchiectasis are increasing in incidence in the U.S [2, 3]. Although patients with bronchiectasis are at increased risk of acquiring NTM-PD [1, 2], the incidence of NTM-PD in these patients is not well described. Previous U.S. Medicare data estimated those with bronchiectasis were 50 to 75-fold more likely to have a diagnosis of NTM-PD than those without bronchiectasis [4]. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the incidence of NTM-PD among U.S. Medicare enrollees newly diagnosed with bronchiectasis over the age of 65.

Read more...