Mycobacterium intracellulare: Are Infections Increasing?

Evidence from NHANES shows that rates of skin-test positivity rose from 11% in 1971 to 17% in 1999, a statistically nonsignificant increase.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous in the environment, and the prevalence of pulmonary infections caused by these pathogens seems to be increasing. Is this impression due to a true increase or to enhanced detection?

To answer this question, researchers examined the prevalence of sensitization to Mycobacterium intracellulare, a common cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary infection, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. They compared statistics for 1971–1972 and 1999–2000, when 1490 and 9965 survey participants, respectively, were skin-tested with M. intracellulare antigen (PPD-B) and M. tuberculosis–derived tuberculin (PPD-S). Participants were considered to be sensitized to M. intracellulare if their…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)