Pulmonary disease due to atypical mycobacteria: a retrospective study from South India

Of 4,943 patients admitted to various chemotherapy studies over the past two decades at the Tuberculosis Research Centre, Madras, India, 21 were found to be repeatedly excreting mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The chest radiographic appearance of these patients was similar to that of those patients with tuberculosis. Thirteen patients yielded repeat isolates identified as photochromogens, especially those patients who had not previously had tuberculosis. Cultures from the remaining patients were positive for nonchromogens. Occupational exposure to dust was common. Follow-up studies indicated radiographic improvement in nine patients and a bacteriologic normal status in eleven. Ten patients had died. Results of antituberculosis drug regimens were variable, but response was considered unsatisfactory in nearly 50% of the patients.