Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: September 9, 2015
Spontaneous sputum conversion and reversion in Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung disease
Kyung-Wook Jo1, Yea Eun Park1, Yong Pil Chong2
1Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Approximately one-fourth of patients with Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung disease experienced spontaneous sputum conversion without treatment. However, a significant portion of these patients later experienced reversion, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) lung disease is a challenging infection.
- Understanding spontaneous sputum conversion and reversion is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate of spontaneous sputum conversion and reversion in MABC lung disease patients.
- To identify predictors of spontaneous sputum conversion.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 126 MABC lung disease patients with persistent sputum positivity.
- Patients were divided into those treated within 2 years and those not treated.
- Sputum conversion and reversion rates were analyzed in the untreated group.
Main Results:
- Among 93 untreated patients, 25.8% achieved spontaneous sputum conversion.
- Malignancy and fewer involved lobes predicted spontaneous conversion.
- Reversion occurred in 27.8% of patients after spontaneous conversion.
Conclusions:
- About a quarter of MABC patients may achieve spontaneous sputum conversion without treatment.
- Reversion after spontaneous conversion is a notable concern.
- Further research is needed to optimize MABC treatment strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
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...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
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...
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...

