Trends in nontuberculous mycobacterial disease mortality based on 2000-2022 data from 83 countries

To examine the international trends for nontuberculous mycobacterial-associated mortality rates, as nontuberculous mycobacterial infections are becoming increasingly prevalent and pose a significant public health challenge, especially in older populations.

This retrospective observational study used data from the World Health Organization mortality database, which included patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in 83 countries. We stratified the data by sex, age, and geographic region and calculated crude and age-standardized mortality rates to estimate long-term mortality trends.

In total, 42,182 nontuberculous mycobacterial infection-associated deaths (58.1% in women) were reported in 83 countries between 2000 and 2022. The locally weighted regression model estimation for the nontuberculous mycobacterial infection-associated mortality rate more than doubled-from 0.36 deaths per 1000,000 individuals in 2000 to 0.77 deaths per 1000,000 individuals in 2022. Eighty-six percent of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection-associated deaths occurred in people aged ≥65 years. The mortality rate was the highest in the Western Pacific Region.

This study highlights the impact of emerging nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases and the importance of targeted interventions for managing and reducing mortality, particularly in vulnerable older populations. Further studies are warranted to determine the factors contributing to geographical disparity and treatment options.