Prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in bronchiectasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are widely distributed environmental microorganisms. NTMs play a significant role in causing respiratory infections, especially in individuals with underlying lung diseases such as noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. NTMs are recognized as significant pathogens in bronchiectasis, among other infectious agents. Therefore, this systematic review aims to address the prevalence of atypical mycobacteria in bronchiectasis. Methods A search was conducted through the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus via appropriate keywords. After the studies that did not qualify were excluded, the studies with inclusion criteria according to the PRISMA checklist were used to extract the desired information. Results The overall prevalences of NTM and NTM-PD were 0.158 (95% CI: 0.084, 0.276) and 0.158 (95% CI: 0.067, 0.328), respectively, according to the results. A variety of species or complexes were examined in the included research, with the majority of them using MAC. M. avium complex (MAC) had the highest frequency (0.094, 95% CI: 0.045, 0.185), whereas M. kansasii had the lowest frequency (0.008, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.012). Conclusions The findings of the present systematic review demonstrate the increasing importance of NTM, particularly MAC, as a significant pathogen in bronchiectasis.