Prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in U.S. Medicare beneficiaries

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
10:04

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates

Published on: September 5, 2017

Jennifer Adjemian1, Kenneth N Olivier, Amy E Seitz

  • 1Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. jennifer.adjemian@nih.gov

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 8, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The prevalence of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (PNTM) disease in older adults is rising nationally. This study highlights significant disparities in PNTM disease by race, ethnicity, and geography.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (PNTM) infections represent a growing public health concern, particularly among the elderly population in the United States.
  • Despite the increasing morbidity associated with PNTM, comprehensive national data on its prevalence have been limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the national prevalence and identify trends of PNTM disease in adults aged 65 years and older.
  • To investigate demographic, racial/ethnic, and geographic factors associated with PNTM disease in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a 5% nationally representative sample of Medicare Part B beneficiaries from 1997 to 2007.
  • Calculation of prevalence estimates for PNTM and comorbidities, with trend analysis over time.
  • Logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with PNTM disease.

Main Results:

  • Annual PNTM prevalence increased significantly from 20 to 47 cases/100,000 persons between 1997 and 2007 (8.2% annual increase).
  • Period prevalence reached 112 cases/100,000 persons, with higher rates among Asians/Pacific Islanders and in Western and Southeastern states.
  • PNTM cases exhibited higher comorbidity burdens, increased mortality risk (40% higher), and were more common in women and certain racial/ethnic groups compared to white individuals.

Conclusions:

  • PNTM disease prevalence is increasing nationwide across all demographics, including both men and women.
  • Observed significant racial/ethnic and geographic variations in PNTM prevalence suggest complex gene-environment interactions influencing disease risk.

More Related Videos

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear09:20

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear

Published on: July 3, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.