ABSTRACT
Objective The epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of infection of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) by elderly bronchiectasis patients in Huai 'an area were analyzed, and the theoretical basis for prevention of NTM infection by elderly bronchiectasis patients in Huai 'an area was provided. Methods Among the 371 elderly patients with bronchiectasis admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were selected and divided into control group and NTM group according to whether they had NTM or not. The NTM strains were isolated and identified. Clinical data of patients were collected from the medical record system. Independent risk factors of NTM infection in elderly patients with ramus were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression, including gender, age, previous smoking status, number of ramus, pulmonary cavities, hypoproteinemia, and CD4+T cell level. Results A total of 108 cases NTM infection (29.11%) among the 371 patients with branch enlargement. There was no statistical significance in cough, phlegm, hemoptysis and fever between the two groups (P>0.05). The proportion of chest tightness and shortness in NTM group was significantly higher than that in control group (P20 years (OR=1.692), number of branchial dilated lobe ≥5 (OR=2.671) and thin-walled cavity (OR=2.458) were independent risk factors for NTM infection in elderly patients with branchial dilated lobe (P20 years, and thin-walled cavity. Patients should actively quit smoking, improve the body immunity, and prevent NTM infection in patients with bronchiectasis.