Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
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
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria: a disease beyond TB and preparedness in India
Surendra K Sharma1, Vishwanath Upadhyay1
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard (Deemed-to-be-university), New Delhi, India.
Background And Methods:
Fifty-six Indian studies on NTM diseases were selected between 1981 and 2020 from various electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, BIOSIS preview, and Scopus) for systematic review.
Results:
NTM isolation rates increased from 0.9% between 2001 and 2010 to 1.6% between 2011 and 2020. Prevalence of NTM-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) among presumptive-TB patients in India was 1.1% (395/34,829). M. avium complex (MAC) (19%) was most commonly isolated from pulmonary specimens followed by M. chelonae (10%), M. fortuitum (9.8%), and M. abscessus (8.8%). M. fortuitum (35.5%), M. chelonae (23.6%) and M. abscessus (15%) were frequently reported from extra-pulmonary specimens. Patients with NTM-PD were mostly treated with a macrolide-based three-drug regimen. Clarithromycin-based-drug regimen in combination with amikacin, ciprofloxacin and several other drugs (rifampicin, imipenem, ofloxacin, linezolid, azithromycin) was used for treatment of EP-NTM. Median duration of the treatment in NTM-PD was 12 months, (6-18 months) whereas it was 6 months (3.1-8.7 months) in EP-NTM. Treatment was successful in 45% (19/42) of NTM-PD patients and 75% (93/124) of EP-NTM patients.
Conclusion:
It is concluded from this review that most Indian studies have published laboratory data on NTM isolation and speciation and lacked information on clinical, microbiological and radiological correlation and treatment outcome details. Future studies should address these issues while publishing on NTM diseases.
Insights
NTM isolation rates are rising in India, with Mycobacterium avium complex most common in lung infections. Studies often lack clinical details, highlighting a need for comprehensive research on NTM diseases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as a cause of human disease globally.
- Data on NTM disease prevalence and characteristics in India remain fragmented.
- Understanding NTM epidemiology is crucial for effective disease management and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review Indian studies on NTM diseases published between 1981 and 2020.
- To analyze trends in NTM isolation rates and common species.
- To identify gaps in the literature regarding clinical and treatment outcomes of NTM infections in India.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 56 Indian studies on NTM diseases.
- Data were extracted from electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, BIOSIS preview, and Scopus.
- Analysis focused on NTM isolation rates, species identification, and reported treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- NTM isolation rates increased from 0.9% (2001-2010) to 1.6% (2011-2020).
- Mycobacterium avium complex was the most common isolate in pulmonary NTM disease (19%).
- Treatment success rates were 45% for NTM-pulmonary disease and 75% for extra-pulmonary NTM.
Conclusions:
- Indian studies predominantly report laboratory data on NTM isolation and speciation.
- There is a significant lack of detailed clinical, microbiological, and radiological correlation in published NTM disease research.
- Future research should prioritize comprehensive reporting of clinical and treatment outcomes for NTM diseases in India.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
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...
01:28Pulmonary 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...
01:28Pulmonary 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...
01:31Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
01:29Pulmonary 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...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...