Risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease with obstructive lung disease

Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is increasingly prevalent [1] and especially common in the elderly [2]. It is usually chronic, requiring complex therapy with suboptimal outcomes [3]. Risk factors for NTM-PD may be covert, presumably disordered mucociliary defences, or overt structural lung abnormalities. In one study, 56% of NTM-PD patients had unexplained nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and among the rest with structural lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the most common predisposing condition [4]. High incidence of NTM pulmonary disease in people with COPD and asthma (142 and 53 per 100 000 person-years) <http://ow.ly/2laN300kLOV> Datasets used in this study were linked using unique encoded identifiers and analysed at ICES. Parts of this material are based on data and information compiled and provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). However, the analyses, conclusions, opinions and statement expressed herein are those of the author, and not necessarily those of CIHI.