Preliminary Data Regarding the Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolation from Clinical Specimens, from Human PatienTS, in Iași County

Abstract

The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represents a large group ofubiquitous environmental mycobacterial species, with more than 160 members that can pose a threat for human health, especially for the immunocompromised hosts. The aim of the current study was the collection of data regarding the frequency of NTM isolation from human clinical specimens, thus providing preliminary data regarding the infection prevalence in Iași County, Romania.Between May 2015 and March 2017 epidemiological data regarding NTM isolatesin the Bacteriology Laboratory at the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology in Iasi were analyzed. A total of 63 mycobacteria strains were isolated and identified as nontuberculous (by smear microscopy, culture on solid and liquid media and immunochromatographic assay). Out of the total number of samples that were submitted in the laboratory for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, during the studied period, 0.25% of them were identified as NTM. The prevalence for 2015 was estimated at 0.18%, and 0.34% for 2016. Given the challenging diagnostic procedures and the absence of notifiable status of NTM in most European Union countries, the epidemiological situation is broadlyunknown. This emphases the need of regular recording and reporting of NTM isolation frequency for awareness of the risk of associated mycobacterial infections.