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Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in cystic fibrosis

Stacey L Martiniano¹, Jerry A Nick²

¹Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, 13123 East 16th Avenue, B-395, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

Clinics in Chest Medicine

|February 14, 2015

Abstract:

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important emerging cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens. Factors including the steady aging of the CF population, the apparent increase of NTM in the environment, and the potential for patient-to-patient transmission, may contribute to increased acquisition. Diagnosis of NTM disease is challenging due to disease overlap; thus, comprehensive care of the CF patient must be optimized to assess the clinical impact of the NTM (indolent versus active), and to improve response to treatment. The development of a CF-specific approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection is a research priority for the CF community.

Insights

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as significant pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Optimizing diagnosis and treatment strategies for NTM infections in CF is a critical research priority.

Area of Science:

Pulmonology
Infectious Diseases
Microbiology

Background:

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent a growing threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Factors such as an aging CF population, increased environmental NTM presence, and potential patient-to-patient spread contribute to higher acquisition rates.
The diagnosis of NTM disease in CF patients is complicated by overlapping symptoms with other conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and treating NTM infections in the context of CF.
To emphasize the need for optimized comprehensive care to determine the clinical significance of NTM (indolent vs. active).
To underscore the importance of improving treatment responses for NTM in CF patients.

Main Methods:

This study is a review and synthesis of current knowledge regarding NTM in CF.
It analyzes factors contributing to NTM acquisition and diagnostic challenges.
It discusses the clinical impact and treatment considerations for NTM in CF.

Main Results:

NTM are emerging pathogens in the aging CF population.
Diagnosis is difficult due to overlapping disease presentations.
Optimizing care is essential to assess NTM's clinical impact and guide treatment.

Conclusions:

A specialized approach for diagnosing and treating NTM infections in CF patients is urgently needed.
Further research is a priority for the CF community to address this emerging challenge.
Effective management requires careful assessment of NTM's role in CF disease progression.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Atypical mycobacteria Cystic fibrosis Mycobacterium abscessus Mycobacterium avium complex Nontuberculous mycobacteria

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