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Published on: September 3, 2012
Prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from environmental samples in Iran: A meta-analysis
Azad Khaledi1, Abbas Bahador2, Davood Esmaeili3
1Department of Microbiology and Virology, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Background:
While the most nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) species are considered as opportunistic pathogens, some of them are related to several human infections. It is believed that environment is the main source for these infections. Distribution and scattering pattern of NTMs has not been well studied in Iran and a few studies about this subject have been done, so the aim of this study was to determine prevalence of NTMs in environmental samples from Iran.
Materials And Methods:
Data about prevalence of NTMs in environmental samples from Iran were obtained by searching databases. The studies presenting cross-sectional or cohort and the papers with sample size ≥30 were included. Then, the meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software and Cochran's Q and I2 tests. The strategy search was based PRISMA protocol is available online (PRISMA, http://www.prisma-statement.org).
Results:
The results of this meta-analysis showed that overall combined prevalence of NTMs in environmental samples from Iran was 38.3%. The frequency of NTM was higher in the north of Iran (73.2%). The most prevalent rapid-growing mycobacterium was Mycobacterium fortuitum (19.8%), and the most dominant slow-growing mycobacterium was Mycobacterium flavescens (16.8%).
Conclusion:
In regard to increasing incidence of disease in immunocompromised patients and existence of different types of mycobacteria species in environmental samples, efforts should be focused on measures that will specifically remove NTMs from habitats where susceptible individuals are exposed.
Insights
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are prevalent in Iran's environment, with a 38.3% overall detection rate. Higher NTM frequency was observed in northern Iran, highlighting environmental sources of these opportunistic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are opportunistic pathogens found in the environment, posing risks for human infections.
- Limited data exists on NTM distribution in Iran, necessitating research into environmental prevalence.
Approach:
- A meta-analysis was conducted on existing studies of NTM prevalence in Iranian environmental samples.
- Inclusion criteria involved cross-sectional/cohort studies with sample sizes ≥30, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
Key Points:
- The overall combined prevalence of NTMs in Iranian environmental samples was 38.3%.
- NTM frequency was significantly higher in northern Iran (73.2%).
- Mycobacterium fortuitum (19.8%) and Mycobacterium flavescens (16.8%) were the most prevalent rapid-growing and slow-growing NTMs, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Environmental NTMs pose a public health concern, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
- Targeted measures to reduce NTMs in exposed habitats are crucial for preventing infections.
