Clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from sputum in a gold mining workforce in South Africa : an observational, clinical study
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi
Abstract
Background.The clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), detected by liquid more than solid culture in sputum
specimens from a South African mining workforce, is uncertain. We aimed to describe the current spectrum and relevance of
NTMin this population. Methods. An observational study including individuals with sputum NTMisolates, recruited at workforce
tuberculosis screening and routine clinics. Symptomquestionnaires were administered at the time of sputumcollection and clinical
records and chest radiographs reviewed retrospectively. Results.Of 232 individuals included (228 (98%) male,median age 44 years),
M. gordonae (60 individuals), M. kansasii (50), and M. aviumcomplex (MAC: 38) were the commonest species.Of 38MAC isolates,
only 2 (5.3%) were from smear-positive sputum specimens and 30/38 grew in liquid but not solid culture. MAC was especially
prevalent among symptomatic, HIV-positive individuals. HIV prevalence was high: 57/74 (77%) among those tested.No differences
were found in probability of death or medical separation by NTM species. Conclusions. M. gordonae, M. kansasii, andMAC were
the commonest NTMamong miners with suspected tuberculosis, withmostMAC fromsmear-negative specimens in liquid culture
only. HIV testing and identification of key pathogenic NTM in this setting are essential to ensure optimal treatment.
Description
CITATION: Van Halsema, C. L. et al. 2015. Clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from sputum in a gold mining workforce in South Africa : an observational, clinical study. BioMed Research International, 2015, Article ID 959107, doi:10.1155/2015/959107.
The original publication is available at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri
The original publication is available at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri
Keywords
Nontuberculous mycobacteria, Miners -- South Africa, Sputum -- Microbiology -- South Africa, Sputum -- Examination -- South Africa
Citation
Van Halsema, C. L. et al. 2015. Clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from sputum in a gold mining workforce in South Africa : an observational, clinical study. BioMed Research International, 2015, Article ID 959107, doi:10.1155/2015/959107.