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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure
Published on: July 10, 2009
Nontuberculous mycobacterium infection in renal transplant recipients: a systematic review
Yan Song1, Li Zhang2, Hao Yang1
1a Kidney Disease Center , The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , PR China.
Background:
Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are important complications in renal transplant recipients.
Methods:
Cases of NTM diseases post-renal transplantation published in English were identified in the PubMed database. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of these cases were reviewed.
Results:
One-hundred and fifteen cases of NTM infection in renal transplant recipients in 100 articles were identified. The median time of NTM infection from renal transplantation was 37 months (range, 3 d to 252 months). Disseminated disease (40.0%) was the most common manifestation of NTM infection in renal transplant recipients. The main diagnostic procedure was culture combined with histopathological examination (38.3%). Thirteen NTM species were identified; the most common pathogen was Mycobacterium chelonae (19.1%). The anti-Mycobacterium treatment lasted more than 12 months in 43.3% of the recorded patients. During the treatment, 30.2% of the recipients lost kidney graft function and 20.9% died from NTM infection and/or other complications, including cardiac death and respiratory failure.
Conclusions:
NTM infection is easily neglected. Physicians must keep a high suspicion for NTM infections in renal transplant recipients.
Insights
Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are serious complications for kidney transplant patients. Early suspicion and diagnosis are crucial, as NTM infections can lead to graft loss and death.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections pose significant risks for individuals who have undergone renal transplantation.
- These infections represent a serious category of post-transplant complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of nontuberculous mycobacterium diseases in renal transplant recipients.
- To identify common NTM species, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed database for English-language articles on NTM diseases post-renal transplantation.
- Clinical and laboratory data from 115 identified cases were reviewed.
Main Results:
- NTM infections occurred at a median of 37 months post-transplant, with disseminated disease being the most common presentation (40.0%).
- Mycobacterium chelonae was the most frequent pathogen (19.1%), and diagnosis often involved culture with histopathological examination (38.3%).
- Treatment exceeded 12 months for 43.3% of patients, with significant rates of graft loss (30.2%) and mortality (20.9%).
Conclusions:
- NTM infections in renal transplant recipients are often overlooked.
- Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for NTM infections in this vulnerable patient group to improve outcomes.
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