J Korean Med Assoc.  2024 Jan;67(1):4-10. 10.5124/jkma.2024.67.1.4.

Increasing burden of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease

• Kim JY

• KMID: 2550278
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2024.67.1.4

Abstract

Background
Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic respiratory condition with significant morbidity and mortality. Globally, the disease burden of NTM-PD is growing. This study reviews the current state of NTM-PD in Korea and worldwide, followed by a discussion of known risk factors.
Current Concepts
In most countries, NTM-PD is not specified as a notifiable disease; thus, determining the actual incidence and prevalence has been challenging. When NTM-PD is defined using microbiological and diagnostic coding criteria, data consistently show a dramatic increase in the worldwide incidence and prevalence of NTM-PD. Although the cause of this increase is not completely understood, it is believed to result from a complex interplay of environmental and host-related factors that facilitates increased interactions between patients and the bacterium, as well as promoting mycobacterial survival within the hosts.
Discussion and Conclusion
The global incidence, prevalence, and socioeconomic burden of NTM-PD is increasing, necessitating a comprehensive approach to understand this phenomenon. As a first step, the establishment of a coordinated system for identifying and managing patients with NTM-PD is imperative.

Keyword

Nontuberculous mycobacteria; Pulmonary disease; Epidemiology; 비결핵마이코박테리아; 폐질환; 역학