Prevalence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria: A Single Center Study in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunist pathogens, which can cause pulmonary and non-pulmonary diseases. Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the frequency of NTM at a teaching hospital of Tehran, Iran. Methods: Clinical samples from patients with signs and symptoms of TB were collected from March 2016 to July 2017. Specimens were investigated using conventional methods and the GeneXpert MTB/RIF system. Phenotypic, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA) and sequencing methods were used to identify the mycobacterial species. Results: Of 230 culture positive samples, 12 (5.2%) were NTM, according to conventional and molecular approaches. Mycobacterium simiae (6, 50.0%), M. fortuitum (4, 33.3%), M. intracellulare (1, 8.3%) and M. kansasii (1, 8.3%) were the isolated NTM species. Conclusions: The current study strongly highlights the need to design strategies for surveillance, monitoring, and management of NTM cases.