Risk factors, molecular analysis and treatment outcomes of amikacin-resistant Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary

Tatsuya Kodama1,2,3, Akio Aono3, Keiji Fujiwara1,2,3

  • 1Respiratory Disease Center, Fukujuji Hospital, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan.

ERJ Open Research
|August 12, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Amikacin resistance in Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease is linked to prior clarithromycin resistance and prolonged aminoglycoside use. This resistance is associated with poorer patient outcomes and increased mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Limited data exist on amikacin (AMK)-resistant Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease (PD), despite suspected increases in incidence.
  • This study investigates risk factors, molecular characteristics, and treatment outcomes for AMK-resistant MAC-PD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for amikacin resistance in MAC-PD.
  • To characterize the molecular basis of AMK resistance in MAC isolates.
  • To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prognosis of patients with AMK-resistant MAC-PD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case-control and observational study of 73 patients with severe/refractory MAC-PD and prior aminoglycoside use.
  • AMK resistance defined as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥64 μg·mL⁻¹.
  • Analysis of risk factors, molecular mutations (rrs region), and clinical outcomes (oxygen therapy, mortality).

Main Results:

  • Clarithromycin resistance (OR 6.31) and >12 months of aminoglycoside use (OR 4.69) were independent risk factors for AMK resistance.
  • Mutations in the rrs region were found in 57% of AMK-resistant isolates.
  • AMK-resistant group showed significantly worse outcomes: increased home oxygen therapy (38% vs 12%) and 3-year mortality (33% vs 10%).

Conclusions:

  • Preventing AMK resistance is crucial for managing severe and refractory MAC-PD.
  • Enhanced strategies are needed to mitigate the development of AMK resistance in MAC-PD patients.