Tuberc Respir Dis.  2009 Nov;67(5):395-401.

Respiratory Review of 2009: Nontuberculous Mycobacterium

• Park JS

Abstract

As the prevalence of tuberculosis declines, the proportion of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is increasing in Korea. The combined use of liquid and solid media increases the sensitivity of mycobacterial culture and shortens culture time. Because NTMs are ubiquitous in the environment, NTM lung disease requires strict diagnostic criteria to prevent over-diagnosis of NTM lung disease. Mycobacterium avium complex is the most common pathogen of NTM lung disease in Korea and present in two forms: upper lobe cavitary and nodular bronchiectatic form. Decision of treatment of NTM lung disease depends on the infecting species and overall condition of the patient. Because medical therapy requires the use of multiple drugs over 18 to 24 months, surgery for localized disease may be useful for those species refractory to medical therapy.

Keyword

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Culture Media; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Culture Media
Humans
Korea
Lung Diseases
Mycobacterium avium Complex
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Prevalence
Tuberculosis
Culture Media

Figure

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  Figure 1 M. intracellulare pulmonary disease of the upper lobe cavitary form in a 72-year-old man. Chest radiograph shows thin-walled cavity in the right upper lobe.

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  Figure 2 M. avium pulmonary disease of the nodular bronchiectatic form in a 47-year-old woman. Chest radiograph shows a multifocal patchy distribution of small nodular clusters in both lower lung zones. HRCT show small centrilobular nodules and bronchiectasis in the both lungs, especially in the right middle lobe and in the lingular division of the left upper lobe.

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