[Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria: epidemiologic importance and current pathogenicity].

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as pathogens.
• Declining tuberculosis (TB) rates necessitate understanding other mycobacterial roles.
• NTM prevalence and significance are understudied in regions with diminishing TB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiological and pathogenic importance of NTM.
• To investigate the role of NTM in a context of decreasing TB prevalence.
• To analyze trends in tuberculin reactions and NTM detection in Geneva.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on NTM epidemiology and pathogenicity.
• Analysis of tuberculin testing data from Geneva school children (1975-1981).
• Examination of NTM presence in human samples from Geneva (1979-1981).

Main Results:

• A rising proportion of weak tuberculin reactions was observed in Geneva school children.
• A notable number of NTM were identified in human material during the study period.
• These findings correlate with a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence.

Conclusions:

• NTM are emerging as significant pathogens in regions with declining TB.
• The observed increase in weak tuberculin reactions may be linked to NTM exposure.
• Further investigation into NTM's role in public health is warranted, particularly in Switzerland.