Epidemiological profile and follow-up of patients with pulmonary disease by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Baixada Santista area, São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objective To present the frequency and species diversity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, estimate the prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, describe the epidemiological profile, and determine the follow-up of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease living in a region with a high burden of tuberculosis. Methods This a retrospective cohort observational study using data records obtained from the Instituto Adolfo Lutz - Santos and from the São Paulo Sistema de Vigilância de Tuberculose do Estado de São Paulo in the period between 2000 and 2009. The studied variables were: socio-demographic characteristics, current and past history of tuberculosis, aspects related to diagnosis, and treatment and associated diseases. Results We included 319 non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolates in the study, corresponding to 257 patients. The species Mycobacterium kansasii (28.5%) and Mycobacterium fortuitum (16.6%) presented the higher occurrence. In 10.9% (24) of the patients, there was a criterion for confirming a case of pulmonary disease due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In relation to gender and age, male and individuals over 50 years old were the most frequent. Considering the confirmed cases, 47.8% had a past history of tuberculosis. Conclusion The lack of information about the cases is evident, since pulmonary disease due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria is not mandatory. The therapeutic regimen according to the identified species is fundamental for success in combating the infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Besides that, information about the regional epidemiology of pulmonary disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria and the search for associations with other comorbidities are important to establish the correct treatment. In order to improve surveillance of pulmonary diseases by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, we suggest the implantation of a sentinel surveillance and of population-based studies.

Non-tuberculous cutaneous mycobacterioses

Abstract Non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis, previously known as atypical, anonymous, opportunistic, or unclassified mycobacteriosis, refers to pathogenic mycobacterioses other than those caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae. These mycobacteria are known for their environmental distribution, mainly in water and soil. The incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis has been increasing in all countries and skin infections are being increasingly studied, mainly with the increase in immunosuppressive conditions and the development of new medications that affect immunological function. In the present article, a detailed narrative review of the literature is carried out to study the main non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis that cause diseases of the skin and appendages. The article also aims to present a historical context, followed by epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical characteristics of these diseases. Practical considerations about the diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis are detailed.

Características clínicas e epidemiológicas de casos de infecção pulmonar por Mycobacterium kansasii no Rio de Janeiro, no período de 2006 a 2016 / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of M. kansasii pulmonary infections from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2006 and 2016

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar características clínicas, tomográficas e microbiológicas dos pacientes com doença pulmonar causada pela M. kansasii (DPMK) atendidos em unidade ambulatorial no período 2006-2016. Métodos Estudo descritivo, em que foram analisados 38 pacientes. Foram analisadas as características demográficas, clínico-radiológicas, laboratoriais e terapêuticas. Resultados A média de idade foi 64 anos (DP=10,6; IIQ=57-72; mediana=65,0) e 22 (57,9%) eram pacientes do sexo masculino. Comorbidade pulmonar estava presente em 89,5%. A comorbidade mais frequente foi a bronquiectasia (78,9%). Tratamento anterior para tuberculose pulmonar (TBP) foi relatado em 65,9%. O esquema terapêutico mais utilizado foi rifampicina, isoniazida e etambutol (44,7%). A tomografia de tórax (TCT) mostrou bronquiectasia (94,1%), distorção arquitetural (76,5%), espessamento de septo (67,6%) e cavidades (64,7%). A doença foi bilateral em 85,2%. Houve 10,7% de resistência à rifampicina, 67,9% resistentes ao etambutol e sensibilidade à claritromicina. Conclusão Em pacientes com doença pulmonar estrutural, é importante a busca de DPMNT, principal diagnóstico diferencial com TBP. TC de tórax demonstra diferentes padrões que se sobrepõem ao de doença estrutural causada por TBP ou outras enfermidades pulmonares. Destaca-se a resistência ao etambutol, fármaco componente do esquema preconizado.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate clinical, tomographic, and microbiological characteristics of pulmonary disease caused by M. kansasii (MKPD) in patients treated at an outpatient unit from 2006-2016. Methods We studied thirty eight patients, and analyzed socio-demographic, clinical-radiological, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics. Results The mean age was 64 years (SD = 10.6; IIQ = 57-72; median = 65.0), and 22 (57.9%) male patients. Pulmonary comorbidity was present in 89.5% of the patients. The most frequent comorbidity was bronchiectasis (78.9%). Previous treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) was found in 65.9%. The most used therapeutic regimen was rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol (44.7%). Chest tomography (CT) showed bronchiectasis (94.1%), architectural distortion (76.5%), septum thickening (67.6%), and cavities (64.7%). Disease was bilateral in 85.2%. We observed 10.7% resistance to rifampicin, 67.9% resistance to ethambutol, and sensitivity to clarithromycin. Conclusion In patients with structural lung disease, it is important to search for NTM, the main differential diagnosis with PTB. Chest CT showed different patterns that overlapped with structural disease caused by PTB or other lung diseases. We observed resistance to ethambutol, a drug component of the recommended regimen.

Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections: presumptive diagnosis based on the international microbiological criteria adopted in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011-2014 / Micobacterioses pulmonares: diagnóstico presuntivo pelos critérios microbiológicos internacionais adotados no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2011-2014

ABSTRACT Objective: Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections are caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), the microbiological diagnosis of which involves the isolation and identification of the same species in at least two sputum samples, one BAL fluid sample, or one lung biopsy sample. The objective of the present study was to determine the frequency at which the various NTM species are identified among selected individuals and in potential cases of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of the data on species isolated from respiratory specimens collected from 2,843 individuals between 2011 and 2014. Potential NTM infection cases were identified on the basis of the international microbiological criteria adopted in the state of São Paulo. Results: A total of 50 species were identified using the molecular method PCR-restriction enzyme analysis. Samples collected from 1,014 individuals were analyzed in relation to the microbiological criteria, and 448 (44.18%) had a presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, the species identified most frequently being, in descending order, Mycobacterium kansasii, M. abscessus, M. intracellulare, M. avium, and M. szulgai. Conclusions: Although various NTM species were identified among the individuals studied, those presumptively identified most frequently on the basis of the microbiological criteria adopted in the state of São Paulo were the ones that are most commonly associated with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection worldwide or in specific geographic regions.

RESUMO Objetivo: As micobacterioses pulmonares são doenças causadas por micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNTs), cujo diagnóstico microbiológico envolve o isolamento e a identificação da mesma espécie a partir de pelo menos duas amostras de escarro, uma de lavado brônquico ou uma de biópsia pulmonar. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar as frequências das diferentes espécies de MNTs em indivíduos selecionados e em potenciais casos de micobacterioses pulmonares. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos dados de identificação de espécies isoladas a partir de espécimes clínicos pulmonares de 2.843 indivíduos incluídos no estudo entre 2011 e 2014. A identificação dos potenciais casos baseou-se nos critérios microbiológicos internacionais adotados no estado de São Paulo. Resultados: Um total de 50 espécies foi identificado utilizando-se o método molecular PCR-restriction enzyme analysis. Dos 1.014 indivíduos analisados quanto aos critérios microbiológicos, 448 (44,18%) tiveram o diagnóstico presuntivo de micobacteriose pulmonar, sendo as maiores frequências de casos, em ordem decrescente, Mycobacterium kansasii, M. abscessus, M. intracellulare, M. avium e M. szulgai. Conclusões: Embora tenham sido identificadas diversas espécies de MNTs entre os indivíduos estudados, as que tiveram as maiores frequências de casos presuntivamente identificados pelos critérios microbiológicos adotados no estado de São Paulo foram as que mais frequentemente estão associadas a micobacterioses pulmonares mundialmente ou em várias regiões geográficas.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in a high tuberculosis incidence setting in Brazil / Doença pulmonar por micobactérias não tuberculosas em uma região de alta incidência de tuberculose no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: The incidence of lung disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been increasing worldwide. In Brazil, there are few studies about nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTMLD), and its prevalence is yet to be known. Our objective was to determine the specific etiology of the disease in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, as well as the frequency and diversity of NTM species in our sample of patients. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients diagnosed with NTMLD treated in a referral center located in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, between 2003 and 2013. Results: Our sample comprised 100 patients. The most prevalent NTM species were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), in 35% of the cases; M. kansasii, in 17%; and M. abscessus, in 12%. A total of 85 patients had received previous treatment for tuberculosis. Associated conditions included structural abnormalities in the lungs, such as bronchiectasis, in 23% of the cases; COPD, in 17%; and immunosuppressive conditions, such as AIDS, in 24%. Conclusions: MAC and M. kansasii were the most prevalent species involved in NTMLD in the state, similarly to what occurs in other regions of Brazil. Data on regional epidemiology of NTMLD, its specific etiology, and associated conditions are essential to establish appropriate treatment, since each species requires specific regimens. Most patients with NTMLD had received previous tuberculosis treatment, which might lead to development of resistance and late diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: A incidência de doença pulmonar causada por micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) tem aumentado em todo o mundo. No Brasil, há poucos estudos sobre doença pulmonar por MNT, e sua prevalência ainda não é conhecida. Nosso objetivo foi determinar a etiologia específica da doença no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como a frequência e a diversidade das espécies de MNT em nossa amostra de pacientes. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados com doença pulmonar por MNT atendidos em um centro de referência localizado na cidade de Porto Alegre, RS, entre 2003 e 2013. Resultados: Nossa amostra foi composta por 100 pacientes. As espécies de MNT mais prevalentes foram Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC, complexo M. avium), em 35% dos casos; M. kansasii, em 17%; e M. abscessus, em 12%. Um total de 85 pacientes havia feito tratamento anterior para tuberculose. Condições associadas incluíram anormalidades estruturais nos pulmões, como bronquiectasias, em 23% dos casos; DPOC, em 17%; e condições imunossupressoras, como AIDS, em 24%. Conclusões: MAC e M. kansasii foram as espécies mais prevalentes envolvidas na doença pulmonar por MNT no estado, à semelhança do que ocorre em outras regiões do Brasil. Dados sobre a epidemiologia regional da doença pulmonar por MNT, sua etiologia específica e condições associadas são fundamentais para se estabelecer um tratamento adequado, já que cada espécie requer um esquema específico. A maioria dos pacientes com doença pulmonar por MNT havia feito tratamento anterior para tuberculose, o que pode levar a desenvolvimento de resistência e diagnóstico tardio.

Disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria: diagnostic procedures and treatment evaluation in the North of Buenos Aires Province

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as pathogens frequently associated to HIV co-infection. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical importance of NTM in patients from the North of Buenos Aires Province and the drug-susceptibility patterns in relation with the therapy used. A total of 23,624 clinical specimens were investigated during the period 2004-2010. Ziehl-Neelsen stain and cultures were used for diagnosis. Molecular and biochemical tests were performed to identify the mycobacteria. TB and mycobacterioses cases were 2 118 and 108 respectively. Sixteen NTM species were found: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare as the main causative agents. Infections produced by more than one species at the same time were confirmed (4 cases). Macrolides and fluoroquinolones were the most active in vitro drugs. Treatment evaluation showed that 68.0 % of the cases completed the therapy, 20 % died; and 12 % were relapses. The cases in which the treatment outcome was evaluated received an individual tailor-made therapeutic scheme including those drugs showing in vitro activity and presumed in vivo usefulness. More than a quarter of the patients had HIV co-infection and the majority of the deaths were associated with this co-infection.

Enfermedad causada por micobacterias no tuberculosas: diagnóstico y evaluación del tratamiento en el norte del Gran Buenos Aires. Las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) emergieron como patógenos frecuentemente asociados a la co-infección con el HIV. EL objetivo del estudio fue describir la importancia clínica de las MNT en pacientes de la región norte de la provincia de Buenos Aires y los patrones de drogo-sensibilidad en relación con la terapia empleada. Se investigó un total de 23.624 especímenes clínicos durante, el período 2004-2010. La tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen y los cultivos se utilizaron para diagnóstico. Las micobacterias fueron identificadas mediante pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. Los casos de tuberculosis y micobacteriosis fueron 2 118 y 108, respectivamente. Se encontraron 16 especies de MNT, siendo las principales, Mycobacterium avium y Mycobacterium intracellulare. En 4 casos se confirmaron infecciones producidas por más de una especie al mismo tiempo. Los macrólidos y las fluoroquinolonas tuvieron mayor actividad in vitro. La evaluación del tratamiento confirmó que el 68 % de los casos completó la terapia; 20 % murió y el 12 % recayó. Los casos en los que se evaluó el tratamiento recibieron un esquema terapéutico individual incluyendo aquellas drogas que mostraron actividad in vitro. Más de un cuarto de los pacientes tuvieron co-infeccion con el HIV y la mayoría de las muertes estuvieron asociadas con esta co-infección.

As Micobactérias de Crescimento Rápido e a infecção hospitalar: um problema de saúde pública / Las Micobacterias de Crescimiento Rapido y la infección hospitalaria: un problema de salud publica / The Mycobacterias of Rapid Growth and the hospital infection: a public health problem

Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura que tem por objetivo refletir acerca das infecções causadas por micobactérias de crescimento rápido, um problema de saúde pública e que emerge no contexto dos hospitais brasileiros. Essas micobactérias são ambientais, mas patógenos, sendo possível infectar artigos médicos e causar infecções de ferida cirúrgica e doenças de pele. Variáveis importantes e de difícil avaliação econômica e financeira, como danos físicos e psicológicos decorrentes deste tipo de intercorrência, desafiam estudiosos e conferem relevância à temática.

This study is a literature review with the bjective to reflect concerning the infections caused for Mycobacteria of Rapid Growth, a problem of public health that emerges in the context of the Brazilian hospitals. These mycobacteria are ambient, but patogenic, being possible to infect medical suplplies and cause infections in surgical wound and skin illnesses. Importants variables of difficult economic and financial evaluation, as decurrent physical and psychological damages of this type of infection, defy the researchers and confer relevance to the thematic one.

Este estudio es una revisión de la literatura que tiene cómo objetivo reflexionar sobre las infecciones causadas para las Micobacteria de Crecimiento Rápido, un problema de la salud pública que emerge en el contexto de los hospitales brasileños. Estos mycobacteria son ambiente, pero patógenos, siendo posibles a los artículos médicos infectar y a las infecciones de la causa de las enfermedades quirúrgicas de la herida y de la piel. Importantes variables de la evaluación económica y financiera difícil, como daños físicos y psicologicos decurrentes de este tipo de infección, es un desafío para los investigadores y confiere importancia la temática.

Diferenças na apresentação clínico-radiológica da tuberculose intratorácica segundo a presença ou não de infecção por HIV / Differences in the clinical and radiological presentation of intrathoracic tuberculosis in the presence or absence of HIV infection

OBJETIVO: Descrever as diferenças na apresentação clínico-radiológica da tuberculose segundo a presença ou não de infecção por HIV. MÉTODOS: Examinou-se uma amostra consecutiva de 231 adultos com tuberculose pulmonar bacilífera internados em hospital de tisiologia. A presença de infecção por HIV, AIDS e fatores associados foi avaliada e as radiografias de tórax foram reinterpretadas. RESULTADOS: Havia 113 pacientes HIV-positivos (49 por cento). Estes pacientes apresentavam maior freqüência de tuberculose pulmonar atípica (lesões pulmonares associadas a linfonodomegalias intratorácicas), tuberculose de disseminação hemática e tuberculose pulmonar associada a linfonodomegalias superficiais e menor freqüência de lesões pulmonares escavadas do que os pacientes HIV-negativos. Isto também ocorreu entre os pacientes HIV-positivos com AIDS e os HIV-positivos sem AIDS. Não se observaram diferenças entre os pacientes HIV-positivos sem AIDS e os HIV-negativos. Os valores medianos de CD4 foram menores nos pacientes HIV-positivos com linfonodomegalias intratorácicas e lesões pulmonares em comparação aos com lesões pulmonares exclusivas (47 vs. 266 células/mm³; p < 0,0001), nos pacientes HIV-positivos com AIDS em comparação aos HIV-positivos sem AIDS (136 vs. 398 células/mm³; p < 0,0001) e nos pacientes com tuberculose pulmonar atípica em comparação aos com outros tipos de tuberculose (31 vs. 258 células/mm³; p < 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Há um predomínio de formas atípicas e doença disseminada entre pacientes com imunossupressão avançada. Em locais com alta prevalência de tuberculose, a presença de tuberculose pulmonar atípica ou de tuberculose pulmonar associada a linfonodomegalias superficiais é definidora de AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the differences in the clinical and radiological presentation of tuberculosis in the presence or absence of HIV infection. METHODS: A sample of 231 consecutive adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to a tuberculosis hospital were studied, assessing HIV infection, AIDS, and associated factors, as well as re-evaluating chest X-rays. RESULTS: There were 113 HIV-positive patients (49 percent) Comparing the 113 HIV-positive patients (49 percent) to the 118 HIV-negative patients (51 percent), the former presented a higher frequency of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary lesions accompanied by intrathoracic lymph node enlargement), hematogenous tuberculosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by superficial lymph node enlargement, as well as presenting less pulmonary cavitation. The same was found when HIV-positive patients with AIDS were compared to those without AIDS. There were no differences between the HIV-positive patients without AIDS and the HIV-negative patients. Median CD4 counts were lower in HIV-positive patients with intrathoracic lymph node enlargement and pulmonary lesions than in the HIV-positive patients with pulmonary lesions only (47 vs. 266 cells/mm³; p < 0.0001), in HIV-positive patients with AIDS than in those without AIDS (136 vs. 398 cells/mm³; p < 0.0001) and in patients with atypical pulmonary tuberculosis than in those with other forms of tuberculosis (31 vs. 258 cells/mm³; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Atypical forms and disseminated disease predominate among patients with advanced immunosuppression. In regions where TB prevalence is high, the presence of atypical pulmonary tuberculosis or pulmonary tuberculosis accompanied by superficial lymph node enlargement should be considered an AIDS-defining condition.

Dermatite micobacteriana atípica em gato: relato de caso / Atypical mycobacterial dermatitis in cat: a case report

Relata-se, pela primeira vez no Brasil, um caso de dermatite decorrente de infecção por micobactéria atípica do complexo Mycobacterium fortuitum-peregrinum, em espécie felina, sem raça definida, fêmea, com cinco anos de idade. Há oito meses, evoluía com lesões maculares equimóticas, nodulares, erosadas, ulceradas, acompanhadas de fístulas exsudativas, com intenso prurido e algia. Evidenciou-se a presença de micobactéria do complexo Mycobacterium fortuitum-peregrinum (grupo IV de Runyon ) identificada após evidenciação histopatológica, cultivo bacteriano e por testes bioquímicos. Após dois meses de terapia sistêmica com enrofloxacina (5mg/kg/Bid/VO) e tópica (triclosan e rifamicina) houve involução das lesões, com efeitos colaterais discretos.

A case of dermatitis caused by atypical mycobateria of Mycobacterium fortuitum peregrinum complex was observed for the first time in Brazil. A five-year-old female mixed breed cat had a dermatitis process which had started eight months before. Lesions were characterized by macules, nodules, erosions, ulcers and exsudative fistulas, with intensive pruritus and pain. It had failed to respond to clinical treatment and surgical excision. The diagnosis was based on history, physical and dermatologic examination and complementary tests (cytologic, bacterioscopic, bacterial culture, histopathological, hemathological, ultrasonographic, radiographic and electrocardiographic). The presence of mycobacteria of Mycobacterium fortuitum-peregrinum complex (group IV of Runyon) was observed and identified after histopathological evidence, bacterial culture and biochemical tests. After two months of systemic therapy with enrofloxacin (5mg/kg, orally/twice a day) and topic treatment with triclosan and rifamicin, rapid improvement of the clinical appearance of the lesions were observed with low incidence of side-effects.

Prevalencia de micobacteriosis y de tuberculosis en pacientes de un hospital de referencia de la provincia de Córdoba / Prevalence of mycobacteriosis and tuberculosis in a reference hospital, Cordoba province

Las micobacterias ambientales (MA) constituyen un importante grupo de especies bacterianas que se encuentran en el medio ambiente, pueden colonizar y ocasionalmente producir enfermedad enel hombre. En este trabajo se investigó la frecuencia de casos de micobacteriosis en relación con los de tuberculosis durante un período de diez años (1.991-2.000). Se estudiaron 16.700 muestras de 9.300 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos asistidos en el Hospital Regional de Tuberculosis de la Provincia de Córdoba, por consulta espontánea. Los aislamientos se realizaron por cultivo en los medios de Lowenstein Jensen y Stonebrink. Las colonias de bacilos ácidoalcohol resistentes (BAAR) se identificaron por pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. El total de casos diagnosticados fue de 716, de los cuales 684 (95,5%) correspondieron a al complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y a micobacterias ambientales 32 (4,5%). Los casos de micobacteriosis se definieron por reiterados aislamientos con desarrollo representativo de una micobacteria ambiental, sospecha clínica y radiológica. De los 32 casos de micobacteriosis, el 75% del total correspondió aMycobacterium avium-intracellulare,15,6% a Mycobacterium fortuitum, 3,1% a Mycobacterium kansasii y 6,3% a Mycobacterium chelonae.Los casos de tuberculosis fueron 94,5% de localización pulmonar y 5,5% extrapulmonar.

Environmental mycobacteria (EM) constitute an important group of bacteria species found in the environment. They can colonize and occasionally produce disease in man. Sixteen thousand three hundred samples from 9300 adult symptomatic patients from the Hospital Regional of Tuberculosis in Cordoba were bacteriolocally investigated. The isolations were performed by culture on Lowenstein Jensen and Stonebrink culture media. The colonies of acid fast bacilli (AFB) were identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Among 716 culture positive cases, 684 (95.5%) were due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 32 to environmental mycobacteria.Serial samples allowed the confirmation of the etiologicalagent in culture and correlated with consistent clinical and radiological abnormalities. Seventy-five percente of these patients were affected by M. avium complex, 15.6% by M. fortuitum, 3.1% Mycobacterium kansasii and 6.3% Mycobacterium chelonae. Among tuberculosis cases, 94.5% and 5.5% had pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease respectively.

Infection due to nontuberculous Mycobacterium other than MAC in AIDS patients at Siriraj hospital during 1998-2000: saprophyte vs pathogen.

HIV is a major health problem in Thailand. These patients are vulnerable to opportunistic infections, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis and MAC infection. However, NTM was considered a rare disease in Thailand before the AIDS era. In this study, there were 38 HIV seropositive patients with NTM (other than MAC) identified from clinical specimens during the 3 year period 1998-2000 at Siriraj Hospital, which has a higher prevalence than the previous report. Among these patients, 29 cases were likely to have had definite infection from NTM, 5 cases possibly had NTM as a pathogen, and 4 cases had NTM as colonization. The most common site of infection was the lung (87%) and most common symptoms were cough (62.2%), fever (34.2%), weight loss (42.1%), and lymphadenopathy (5.3%). The outcome was poor because many NTM are not susceptible to standard medication for tuberculosis which is the empirical treatment for the majority of HIV seropositive patients with a clinical finding suspected of mycobacterial infection. The fatality rate was as high as 58.6 per cent. Awareness of NTM as a potential pathogen in HIV seropositive patientsand adjustment of medications even before the availability of culture results may improve the outcome of treatment of NTM infection in HIV seropositive patients.

Retrospective study of empyema cases in National Pediatric Hospital, Cambodia.

Majority of empyema cases admitted into the National Pediatric Hospital (NPH), Cambodia were of bacterial origin (EB: 95%), the rest were caused by tuberculosis bacilli (ETB: 5%). The morbidity of overall empyema, empyema of bacterial origin and empyema of TB origin between boys and girls was the same, even though boys were more likely to be exposed than girls. The mean age of patients with ETB was significantly greater than those of EB, 84.7 +/- 46 months versus 52.5 +/- 37 months. Since NPH is located in Phnom Penh, most of our cases were from Kandal, Phnom Penh, and provinces nearby. On average all of the patients stayed in the hospital for 23.26 +/- 14.9 days (rank 1-91 days), and the mean duration of hospitalization of the ETB patients was significantly longer than that of EB patients, 32 +/- 19 days versus 22 +/- 14 days respectirely. The yearly incidence of empyema cases in 1990-1993 had the trend of slightly increased frequency during March to May. The overall EB case fatality rate was 3%, contributed to by delayed referral of cases.

Pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis in and around Calcutta.

A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence rate of atypical mycobacteria in indolent fibrocavitary pulmonary diseases. 450 sputum specimens were examined and cultured, of which 15 were identified as atypical mycobacteria on repeated culture. No previous study was recorded from Calcutta. Compared to the results of previous workers from different regions of India, the prevalence rate seems high in this part of the country.

Micobacterias atípicas: estudio clínico-epidemiológico en 14 pacientes con SIDA / Atypical mycobacterium: clinical-epidemiological study in 14 patients with AIDS

La incidencia de la infección por Micobacterias Atípicas en pacientes con SIDA se ha incrementado en los últimos años. La demora en el diagnóstico, el estadio avanzado de la enfermedad debida al VIH-1, y la elevada resistencia a los agentes antimicrobianos de primera línea hacen que la respuesta al tratamiento sea habitualmente pobre. Se presentan 14 pacientes con SIDA, atendidos en el pabellón 22 del Hospital F.J. Muñiz; 12 presentaron enfermedad por complejo MAI (2 con localización pulmonar y 10 con formas diseminadas) y en dos pacientes se identificó al M.kansasii (uno con enfermedad pulmonar y el otro con enfermedad diseminada). Los criterios de inclusión fueron: para la enfermedad pulmonar, el hallazgo de la micobacteria en dos o más muestras de esputo o LBA, con cuadro clínico compatible; y para la diseminada, el desarrollo de microorganismos en líquidos o tejidos habitualmente estériles. Se describen las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, patrón radiológico y sensibilidad a los antibióticos observadas en los 14 pacientes

Micobacteriosis atípicas: aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de 44 casos / Atypical mycobacteriosis: clinico-epidemiological aspects of 44 cases

Se hace una revisión de la literatura sobre los más destacados aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos de las microbacteriosis se comunican 44 casos. Diez fueron de las siguientes formas: un caso de linfadenopatía y lesiones esporotricoides por M. Kansasii; un caso por M. marinum y tres por microbacterias no determinadas; unalinfadenopatía, probablemente por M. scrofulaceum; un caso de abscesos por microbacterias y otro de lesión verrugosa; una microbacteriosis cutánea ulcerosa y un caso de microbacteriosis de SIDA, así como una epidemia nosocomial en 34 casos

La intradermo-reacción con sensitinas en población paraguaya / The intradermal-reaction with sensitins in paraguayan population

La aplicación de Sensitinas utilizando la Intradermo-reacción de Mantoux nos permite investigar el perfil inmunológico de un organismo frente a determinadas cepas de Micobacterias no tuberculosas. La tasa de infección por estas Micobacterias no había sido estudiada hasta hoy en la población paraguaya, aunque nosotros ya habíamos comunicado el primer caso nacional de enfermedad por Mycobacterium fortuitum. La presente investigación nos permitió comprobar, sobre 210 pacientes estudiados, una tasa de reactores significativos de 24,7 por ciento a las sensitinas utilizadas, con neto predominio de reactores a M. avium y fortuitum