[Species diversity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from aquatic environments of General Pico city, Province of La Pampa (Argentina)]. / Diversidad de especies de micobacterias no tuberculosas aisladas en ambientes acuáticos de la ciudad de General Pico, La Pampa, Argentina.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are studied not only for their importance as emerging opportunistic pathogens but also for their applications in biotechnology and bioremediation. Our aim was to determine the occurrence and diversity of mycobacteria in different aquatic habitats of General Pico city, Province of La Pampa. The percentage of samples with positive cultures for mycobacteria were the following: 37.5% recovered from the water supply distribution system; 32.6% from the aquifer that supplies water to the distribution system; 36.8% from rain water; 53.1% from the two wetlands in the area of influence; 80% from indoor swimming pools; and 33.3% from water fountains in downtown public squares. Of the 90 NTM isolates, 8.9% could not be identified at the species level with any of the used methods, phenotypic tests and molecular methods. Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium gordonae were the most frequently isolated species. Some of the identified species such as, M. fortuitum, M. gordonae, M. intracellulare, M. vaccae, M. lentiflavum and M. nonchromogenicum, have been reported in cases of mycobacteriosis in Argentina. Mycobacteria with values higher than 0.8mg/ml of residual active chlorine were not recovered from the drinking water supply network, whereas in the swimming pools the presence of up to 1.5mg/l was not a constraint. Based on our results, the presence of mycobacteria in aquatic environments is close to 35% and their occurrence and diversity is affected both by contact with man and his activities as well as by the existence of animal life.

Methods for determining the antimicrobial susceptibility of mycobacteria. / Métodos de determinación de sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos en micobacterias.

Mycobacteria are a large group of microorganisms, multiple species of which are major causes of morbidity and mortality, such as tuberculosis and leprosy. At present, the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex are one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Furthermore, in contrast to M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium leprae, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are more frequently isolated and, in many cases, treatment is based on drug susceptibility testing. This article is a review of the different methods to determine the in vitro drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis complex and the most relevant NTM isolates. The molecular techniques currently used for rapid detection of resistance of clinical specimens are also analysed.

Tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria among HIV-infected individuals in Ghana.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and clinical importance of previously unrecognised tuberculosis (TB) and isolation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among HIV-infected individuals in a teaching hospital in Ghana. METHODS: Intensified mycobacterial case finding was conducted among HIV-positive individuals before initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history and TB-related signs and symptoms, and participants were followed for six months to determine treatment and vital status. Two sputum samples were obtained and examined for mycobacteria with smear microscopy, culture and Xpert MTB/RIF assay. NTM species were identified with the GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS or sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: Of 473 participants, 60 (12.7%) had confirmed pulmonary TB, and 38 (8.0%) had positive cultures for NTM. Mycobacterium avium complex was identified in 9/38 (23.7%) of NTM isolates. Participants with NTM isolated were more likely to have CD4 cell count< 100 cells/µL (aOR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.10-5.14), BMI<18.5kg/m(2) (aOR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.15-5.51) and fever ≥2 weeks (aOR 2.76; 95% CI: 1.27-6.03) at baseline than participants with no mycobacteria. By six months, 76 (16.1%) participants had died; 20 (33.3%) with confirmed TB and 9 (23.7%) with NTM-positive culture. Mortality at six months was independently associated with TB diagnosis at enrolment (aHR 1.97; 95% CI 1.09-3.59), but not with NTM isolation after controlling for age, sex, CD4 cell count, BMI, prolonged fever and ART initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Intensified mycobacterial screening of HIV-infected individuals revealed a high burden of unrecognised pulmonary TB before ART initiation, which increased risk of death within six months. NTM were frequently isolated and associated with signs of poor clinical status but not with increased mortality.

[Application of mass spectrometry in mycobacteria]. / Aplicación de la espectrometría de masas en micobacterias.

To date, more than 170 species of mycobacteria have been described, of which more than one third may be pathogenic to humans, representing a significant workload for microbiology laboratories. These species must be identified in clinical practice, which has long been a major problem due to the shortcomings of conventional (phenotypic) methods and the limitations and complexity of modern methods largely based on molecular biology techniques. The aim of this review was to briefly describe different aspects related to the use of MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry (MS) for the identification of mycobacteria. Several difficulties are encountered with the use of this methodology in these microorganisms mainly due to the high pathogenicity of some mycobacteria and the peculiar structure of their cell wall, requiring inactivation and special protein extraction protocols. We also analysed other relevant aspects such as culture media, the reference methods employed (gold standard) in the final identification of the different species, the cut-off used to accept data as valid, and the databases of the different mass spectrometry systems available. MS has revolutionized diagnosis in modern microbiology; however, specific improvements are needed to consolidate the use of this technology in mycobacteriology.

[Infections due to Mycobacterium simiae]. / Infecciones por Mycobacterium simiae.

Mycobacterium simiae is a slow-growing photochromogenic environmental mycobacterium, first described in 1965. Rarely associated with human infections, possibly due to its limited pathogenicity, it mainly produces lung infection in immunocompetent elderly patients with underlying lung disease, and in disseminated infections in immunosuppressed young patients with AIDS. A microbiological culture is needed to confirm the clinical suspicion, and genetic sequencing techniques are essential to correctly identify the species. Treating M. simiae infections is complicated, owing to the multiple resistance to tuberculous drugs and the lack of correlation between in vitro susceptibility data and in vivo response. Proper treatment is yet to be defined, but must include clarithromycin combined with other antimicrobials such as moxifloxacin and cotrimoxazole. It is possible that M. simiae infections are undiagnosed.

Lung infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology and CT findings for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections and outcomes depending on the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 131 consecutive patients with positive cultures for nontuberculous mycobacteria between 2005 and 2016. We selected those who met the criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infection. We analysed the epidemiologic data; clinical, microbiological, and radiological findings; treatment; and outcome according to treatment. RESULTS: We included 34 patients (mean age, 55 y; 67.6% men); 50% were immunodepressed (58.8% of these were HIV+), 20.6% had COPD, 5.9% had known tumors, 5.9% had cystic fibrosis, and 29.4% had no comorbidities. We found that 20.6% had a history of tuberculosis and 20.6% were also infected with other microorganisms. Mycobacterium avium complex was the most frequently isolated germ (52.9%); 7 (20.6%) were also infected with other organisms. The most common CT findings were nodules (64.7%), tree-in-bud pattern (61.8%), centrilobular nodules (44.1 %), consolidations (41.2%), bronchiectasis (35.3%), and cavities (32.4%). We compared findings between men and women and between immunodepressed and immunocompetent patients. Treatment was antituberculosis drugs in 67.6% of patients (72% of whom showed improvement) and conventional antibiotics in 20.6% (all of whom showed radiologic improvement). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections is complex. The clinical and radiologic findings are nonspecific and a significant percentage of pateints can have other, concomitant infections.

A rapid proteomic system (MALDI-TOF) for nontuberculous-mycobacteria identification.

Proteomic techniques relaying upon mass spectrometry (MALDI_TOF) applied to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identification, constitute a difficult goal. Cell wall structure features complicates the protein extraction procedure. A total of 106 isolates belonging to a variety of MNTs species isolated from clinical samples taken at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León for a two years period (2019-20) were identified following a simplified method (MALDI-TOF Biotyper Bruker®) developped in our laboratory. The resultant identification was compared to a parallel one ruled on the Centro de Referencia de Majadahonda. A total of 22different MNTs species were tested, obtaining an agreement of 92,45%. Only 8 minor discrepancies between species belonging to same taxonomic group of MNTs were detected. The score obtained in the 67.92% of the cases was higher than 1.8. A time-saving of 24min compared to the manufacturer's proceeding was achieved.

A rapid proteomic system (MALDI-TOF) for nontuberculous-mycobacteria identification. / Identificación rápida de micobacterias no tuberculosas mediante técnicas proteómicas (MALDI-TOF).

Proteomic techniques relaying upon mass spectrometry (MALDI_TOF) applied to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identification, constitute a difficult goal. Cell wall structure features complicates the protein extraction procedure. A total of 106 isolates belonging to a variety of MNTs species isolated from clinical samples taken at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León for a two years period (2019-20) were identified following a simplified method (MALDI-TOF Biotyper Bruker®) developped in our laboratory. The resultant identification was compared to a parallel one ruled on the Centro de Referencia de Majadahonda. A total of 22 different MNTs species were tested, obtaining an agreement of 91,5%. Only 9 minor discrepancies between species belonging to the same taxonomic group of MNTs were detected. The score obtained in the 67.92% of the cases was higher than 1.8. A time-saving of 24 minutes compared to the manufacturer's proceeding was achieved.

Role of Soluble T-Cell Immunoglobulin Mucin Domain-3 in Differentiating Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease from Pulmonary Colonization.

BACKGROUND: Differentiating between nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD) and pulmonary NTM colonization (NTM-Col) is difficult. Compared with healthy controls, patients with NTM-LD generally present immune tolerance along with increased expressions of T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) on T lymphocytes. However, the role of soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3) and soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) in differentiating NTM-LD from NTM colonization (NTM-Col) remains unclear. METHODS: Patients with NTM-positive respiratory samples and controls were enrolled from 2016 to 2019. Patients were classified into NTM-Col and NTM-LD groups. Levels of sTIM-3, sPD-1, soluble PD-ligand-1 (sPD-L1), and TIM-3 expression were measured. Factors associated with NTM-LD were analyzed by logistical regression. RESULTS: TIM-3 expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were highest in NTM-LD group, followed by NTM-Col, and control (P=.017 and P=.011 for trend). sTIM-3 elevated in the NTM-Col group compared with the NTM-LD and control groups (856.3±518.7 vs. 595.3±352.6pg/mL, P=.009; vs. 437.0±267.4pg/mL, P<.001). Levels of sPD-1 and sPD-L1 were similar among groups. Among the 79 NTM-positive patients, sTIM-3 was associated with NTM-LD (100-pg/mL increase, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.658 [95% CI, 0.502-0.864], P=.003). Patients with ≥2 risk factors (sTIM-3≤530pg/mL, BMI≤22.5, and radiographic score ≥5) were 13 times more likely to exhibit NTM-LD than those without (aOR 13.234 [2.983-58.709], P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: sTIM-3 was an independent factor for differentiating NTM-LD from NTM-Col, suggesting the immunologic role of sTIM-3 in NTM-LD pathogenesis. By assessing sTIM-3 levels and other risk factors, physicians may be able to identify NTM-LD cases in a simplified manner.

Prevalence and importance of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in adult patients with cystic fibrosis in a hospital in Madrid. / Prevalencia e importancia de micobacterias no tuberculosas en pacientes adultos con fibrosis quística en un hospital de Madrid.

INTRODUCTION: The role of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, on occasion, remains unknown. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence and clinical/microbiological characteristics of CF adult patients colonized by NTM, highlighting Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with 92 CF adult patients: including a control group of 64 patients, not colonized by NTM, and a study group of 28 patients, colonized by NTM. We have analyzed variables such as age, F508del mutation, lung function, pancreatic involvement, auramine staining and co-colonizations between both groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of NTM found was 30.4%. The most prevalent was Mycobacterium avium complex followed by M. abscessus. For M. abscessus, in the comparative study with patients colonized by other NTM, significant results were obtained for variables age. DISCUSSION: We have found a high prevalence of NTM among adult patients with CF, and we associated the presence of M. asbcessus with ages less than 30 years and F508del. Due to the pathogenic role of NTM, especially M. asbcessus, multicenter studies are required within the population suffering from CF.

Comparative evaluation of the identification of rapidly growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), GenoType Mycobacterium CM/AS assay and partial sequencing of the rpoß gene with phylogenetic analysis as a reference method.

INTRODUCTION: The American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend that clinically significant non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) should be identified to the species level in order to determine their clinical significance. The aim of this study was to evaluate identification of rapidly growing NTM (RGM) isolated from clinical samples by using MALDI-TOF MS and a commercial molecular system. The results were compared with identification using a reference method. METHODS: We included 46 clinical isolates of RGM and identified them using the commercial molecular system GenoType® CM/AS (Hain, Lifescience, Germany), MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker) and, as reference method, partial rpoß gene sequencing followed by BLAST and phylogenetic analysis with the 1093 sequences available in the GeneBank. RESULTS: The degree of agreement between GenoType® and MALDI-TOF MS and the reference method, partial rpoß sequencing, was 27/43 (62.8%) and 38/43 cases (88.3%) respectively. For all the samples correctly classified by GenoType®, we obtained the same result with MALDI-TOF MS (27/27). However, MALDI-TOF MS also correctly identified 68.75% (11/16) of the samples that GenoType® had misclassified (p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: MALDI-TOF MS classified significantly better than GenoType®. When a MALDI-TOF MS score >1.85 was achieved, MALDI-TOF MS and partial rpoß gene sequencing were equivalent. GenoType® was not able to distinguish between species belonging to the M. fortuitum complex. MALDI-TOF MS methodology is simple, rapid and associated with lower consumable costs than GenoType®. The partial rpoß sequencing methods with BLAST and phylogenetic analysis were not able to identify some RGM unequivocally. Therefore, sequencing of additional regions would be indicated in these cases.

Prevalencia de la resistencia a macrólidos y aminoglucósidos en los complejos Mycobacterium avium y M. abscessus y en Mycobacterium chelonae identificados en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Colombia entre el 2018 y el 2022 / Prevalence of resistance to macrolides and aminoglycosides in Mycobacterium avium, M. abscessus, and M. chelonae identified in the Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia of Colombia from 2018 to 2022

Resumen Introducción. Mycobacterium chelonae y los complejos Mycobacterium avium y M. abscessus, son agentes patógenos emergentes causantes de micobacteriosis. El tratamiento de esta infección depende de la especie y la subespecie identificadas. Los fármacos de elección son los macrólidos y aminoglucósidos, contra los cuales se ha reportado resistencia; por esta razón, el determinar el perfil de sensibilidad le permite al médico tratante comprender mejor el pronóstico y la evolución de estas infecciones. Objetivo. Describir los perfiles de sensibilidad ante macrólidos y aminoglucósidos, de los cultivos identificados como complejo Mycobacterium avium, complejo M. abscessus o especie M. chelonae, en el Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Micobacterias durante los años 2018 a 2022. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo del perfil de sensibilidad a macrólidos y aminoglucósidos, de los cultivos identificados como complejo M. avium, complejo M. abscessus o M. chelonae, mediante la metodología GenoType® NTM-DR. Resultados. Los cultivos del complejo M. avium fueron 159 (47,3 %), de los cuales, 154 (96,9 %) fueron sensibles y 5 (3,1 %) resistentes a los macrólidos; todos fueron sensibles a los aminoglucósidos. Del complejo M. abscessus se estudiaron 125 (37,2 %) cultivos, 68 (54,4 %) resultaron sensibles y 57 (45,6 %) resistentes a los macrólidos; solo un cultivo (0,8 %) fue resistente a los aminoglucósidos. De M. chelonae se analizaron 52 cultivos (15,5 %), todos sensibles a los macrólidos y aminoglucósidos. Conclusiones. En las tres especies de micobacterias estudiadas, la resistencia contra la amikacina fue la menos frecuente. La identificación de las subespecies y los perfiles de sensibilidad permiten instaurar esquemas de tratamiento adecuados, especialmente en las micobacteriosis causadas por M. abscessus.

Abstract Introduction. The Mycobacterium chelonae species and the M. avium and M. abscessus complexes are emerging pathogens that cause mycobacteriosis. Treatment depends on the species and subspecies identified. The drugs of choice are macrolides and aminoglycosides. However, due to the resistance identified to these drugs, determining the microbe's sensitivity profile will allow clinicians to improve the understanding of the prognosis and evolution of these pathologies. Objective. To describe the macrolide and aminoglycoside susceptibility profile of cultures identified by Colombia's Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Mycobacteria from 2018 to 2022, as Mycobacterium avium complex, M. abscessus complex, and M. chelonae Materials and methods. This descriptive study exposes the susceptibility profile to macrolides and aminoglycosides of cultures identified as M. avium complex, M. abscessus complex, and M. chelonae using the GenoType® NTM-DR method. Results. We identified 159 (47.3 %) cultures as M. avium complex, of which 154 (96.9 %) were sensitive to macrolides, and 5 (3.1 %) were resistant; all were sensitive to aminoglycosides. From the 125 (37.2 %) cultures identified as M. abscessus complex, 68 (54.4 %) were sensitive to macrolides, 57 (45.6 %) were resistant to aminoglycosides, and just one (0.8 %) showed resistance to aminoglycosides. The 52 cultures (15.5 %) identified as M. chelonae were sensitive to macrolides and aminoglycosides. Conclusions. The three studied species of mycobacteria have the least resistance to Amikacin. Subspecies identification and their susceptibility profiles allow the establishment of appropriate treatment schemes, especially against M. abscessus.

Microbiological diagnosis of infections caused by the genus Mycobacterium. / Diagnóstico microbiológico de las infecciones causadas por el género Mycobacterium.

Mycobacterial culture has a high sensitivity and is the test of choice for the microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. However, the results of this culture require at least 2-3 weeks to obtain positivity. Staining is rapid and can be used as a complementary study, although its sensitivity is low. Gene amplification tests have an intermediate sensitivity and obtain results in 1-2 days. These last tests are indicated in cases with moderate or high clinical suspicion. In HIV patients with severe immunodeficiency (<200 CD4), lipoarabinomannan antigen detection in urine may be useful. The identification of isolates from positive cultures is essential to evaluate the clinical significance of the culture results and consider the therapeutic options available. At present, there is a wide range of identification techniques available, which provide results within just 1-4 days. The future of diagnostic techniques in tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial infections lies in greater development of gene amplification techniques and promoting the search for biomarkers which enable a new approach to the diagnosis of these infections.

Análisis de la incidencia y epidemiología de las infecciones por micobacterias no tuberculosas en el área de salud III de la comunidad autónoma de Aragón / Analysis of the incidence and epidemiology of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in the health area III of Aragón

Objetivo. Conocer la incidencia y epidemiología de mico bacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) en nuestra área y la preva lencia de comorbilidades en pacientes con infección por MNT. Como objetivos secundarios, estudiamos la distribución por es pecies de MNT, las formas de enfermedad objetivadas y el tipo de muestra empleada para su diagnóstico. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los aislamientos de micobacterias realizados por el Laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Clínico Uni versitario Lozano Blesa de Zaragoza durante el periodo com prendido entre el 1 de enero de 2011 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018. Resultados. Se aislaron un total de 533 micobacterias, de las cuales 295 (55,35%) eran micobacterias tuberculosas (MTB) y 238 (44,65%) MNT. Del total de aislamientos de MNT, el 15,54% fueron considerados clínicamente significativos. Se identificaron 21 especies y las más frecuentes fueron: M. gor donae (26,89%), M. fortuitum (19,75%) y M. avium (16,39%). El 32,72% de los aislamientos de MNT se realizaron en mayores de 70 años. Conclusiones. Podemos confirmar que el número de ais lamientos de MNT en nuestra área está siendo mayor que en periodos previos. La infección por MNT es más frecuente en varones y mayores de 70 años. La epidemiología, especialmen te los factores de riesgo, de la enfermedad por MNT está cam biando (AU)

Objectives. The main objective of our investigation was to know the incidence and epidemiology of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in our area and the prevalence of comor bidities in patients with MNT infection. As secondary objec tives, we studied the distribution by species of MNT, the forms of disease and the type of sample used for its diagnosis. Material and methods. A retrospective study was carried out in which all the isolates of mycobacteria carried out by the microbiology laboratory of the Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa of Zaragoza during the period between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2018 were included. Results. A total of 533 mycobacteria were isolated, of which 295 (55.35%) were tuberculosis (MTB) and 238 (44.65%) were MNT. Of the whole MNT isolates, only 15.54% were con sidered clinically significant. Twenty-one species were identi fied being the most frequent: M. gordonae (26.89%), M. for tuitum (19.75%) and M. avium (16.39%). 32.72% of the MNT isolates were found in people over 70 years of age. Conclusions. We can confirm that the reported number of MNT isolates in our area is higher than in previous periods. MNT infection is more common in men and those older than 70 years. The epidemiology, especially the risk factors, of MNT disease is changing (AU)

Enfermedad pulmonar por Mycobacterium intracellulare, un reto diagnóstico. Reporte de caso / Lung disease due to Mycobacterium intracellulare. A diagnostic challenge, Case report

La incidencia de infección por micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) y el número de casos han ido en aumento, especialmente en mujeres y personas mayores, teniendo en los Estados Unidos entre el 2008 y 2015 una incidencia de 4.16 a 6.69 por 100000 entre las mujeres y de 12.70 a 18.37 por 100000, entre los mayores de 65 años. "Los pacientes con compromiso estructural del parénquima pulmonar, antecedente de inmunosupresión o inmunodeficiencia tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar infección por MNT". Sin embargo, se han presentado informes de pacientes inmunocompetentes en asociación con opacidades nodulares y bronquiectasias. Se trata de una mujer de 79 años con antecedente de tuberculosis pulmonar documentada en dos oportunidades: último proceso infeccioso en el año 2021. Recibió manejo por seis meses de esquema vigente con tetraconjugado. Actualmente acude a consulta con cuadro clínico de más de seis meses de evolución dados por pérdida de peso de más del 10 % en un año, disnea a moderados esfuerzos y tos con expectoración purulenta. Al examen físico se encontró índice de masa corporal (IMC) bajo, tórax hipoexpansible con estertores tipo crépitos en ambos hemitórax. En la tomografía de tórax se evidenciaron bronquiectasias generalizadas, algunas áreas de árbol en gemación y lesiones cavitadas. Se consideró la realización de fibrobroncoscopia con lavado broncoalveolar documentándose baciloscopias negativas, con cultivo positivo para micobacteria no tuberculosa. Se solicitó tipificación de micobacterias con coloración de Kinyoun, y pruebas bioquímicas a partir de cepas de cultivo del lavado broncoalveolar, con reporte positivo para Mycobacterium intracellulare. Se inició por lo tanto manejo con azitromicina 500 mg, rifampicina 600 mg y etambutol 975 mg diarios. Los profesionales sanitarios deben ser conscientes de la posible infección por MNT sobre todo existiendo afectación estructural pulmonar previa, basando el tratamiento en la sospecha clínica y/o las circunstancias epidemiológicas.

The incidence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection and the number of cases have been increasing, especially in women and the elderly, having EE. Between 2008 and 2015 an incidence of 4.16 to 6.69 per 100,000 among women and from 12.70 to 18.37 per 100,000 among those over 65. "Patients with structural involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma, history of immunosuppression or immunodeficiency have a higher risk of developing NTM infection". However, immunocompetent patients have been reported in association with nodular opacities and bronchiectasis. This is a 79-year-old woman with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis documented on 2 occasions: the last infectious process in 2021. It received management for 6 months of the current tetraconjugate schema. He is currently in consultation with a clinical picture of more than 6 months of evolution given by weight loss of more than 10% in a year, dyspnea to moderate efforts and cough with purulent expectoration. Physical examination revealed low body mass index (BMI) and, a hypoexpandable thorax with a crescent-like sternum in both hemithorax. Chest tomography revealed widespread bronchiectasis, some groaning tree areas and cavitated lesions. Bronchoscopy fibro bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage has been reported negative bacilloscopies, positive culture for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria. Mycobacteria typing, Kinyoun coloration, and biochemical tests were requested from bronchoalveolar lavage culture strains with positive reports for Mycobacterium intracellulare. Management was therefore initiated with azithromycin 500 mg, rifampin 600 mg and ethambutol 975mg daily. Healthcare professionals should be aware of possible NTM infection especially existing prior lung structural involvement based on clinical suspicion and/or epidemiological circumstances.

Respiratory infections due to nontuberculous mycobacterias. / Infecciones respiratorias por micobacterias no tuberculosas.

The most common infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are lung infections. The microorganisms causing these infections most frequently are Mycobacterium avium complex, Mycobacterium kansasii and Mycobacterium abscessus complex. Their incidence has increased in the last three decades. After identifying an NTM in the respiratory tract, clinical and radiological aspects must be considered to determine if isolations are clinically relevant. Predisposing conditions that could contribute to infection must also be investigated. Pulmonary disease due to NTM is presented in three clinical forms: a) pneumonitis due to hypersensitivity; b) fibrocavitary form; and c) nodular-bronchiectasic. The diagnosis of respiratory disease due to NTM does not make it obligatory to immediately initiate treatment. Before initiating the latter, other factors must be considered, such as age, comorbidities, life expectancy, due to the prolonged nature of treatments, with potential side effects and, in many cases, only a slight response to the treatment.

Treatment of infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. / Tratamiento de las infecciones producidas por micobacterias no tuberculosas.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are a heterogeneous group of microorganisms that can often cause human infection, although they may also be considered to be contaminants or colonisers on occasions. The management of these infections must necessarily take into account the identification of isolated species and their in vitro susceptibility testing (although not for all of them), as well as the characteristics of the patient, because these treatments are usually prolonged and must be carried out by experts in the management of these infections. Classically divided into slowly growing mycobacteria and rapidly growing mycobacteria, the treatment regimens and the antibiotics used are different for both groups. In addition, in certain circumstances, this treatment must necessarily be linked to other measures (removal of foreign bodies, surgery) in order to maximise the likelihood of curing the patient.

Mycobacterium lentiflavum as the main cause of lymphadenitis in pediatric population. / Mycobacterium lentiflavum como causa principal de linfadenitis en población pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical lymphadenitis is the most common nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in immunocompetent children, mainly in those under 5years. For many years Mycobacterium lentiflavum (M. lentiflavum) has been considered a rare NTM causing lymphadenitis. METHODS: A restrospective study was performed in pediatric patients with microbiologically confirmed NTM cervical lympahdenitis at the Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid during 2009-2016. RESULTS: During the period studied, 28 cases of cervical lymphadenitis were recorded. In 23 (82.14%) and in 5 (17,85%) cases, M. lentiflavum and Mycobacterium avium were isolated, respectively. In those patients infected with M. lentiflavum, the most frequent location was sub-maxilar (43.47%); 15 (65.21%) were boys, global median age was 30,8 months and all cases showed a satisfactory evolution. CONCLUSION: We propose that M. lentiflavum should be considered an important emergent pathogen cause of cervical lymphadenitis in the pediatric population.

Identificación de Mycobacteria no pigmenteda de crecimiento rápido por el Método Molecular de Micobacterium de Genotipo CM / Identification of Fast-Growing Non-Pigmented Mycobacteria by the Genotype® Mycobacterium CM Molecular Method

Introducción: la micobacteria no terberculosa (NTM) forma un grupo heterogéneo de microorganismos que pueden causar infección en humanos. Las micobacterias no pigmentadas de rápido crecimiento (MNPCR) son de interés clínico debido al creciente número de pacientes infectados por ellos y a la dificultad del tratamiento. Dentro de este grupo, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium abscessus y Mycobacterium chelonae son reconocidos como patógenos potenciales; estas especies se han aislado de infecciones pulmonares y extrapulmonares. Objetivo: el objetivo de este trabajo es encontrar la frecuencia de aislamiento de especies micobacterianas de rápido crecimiento, específicamente el complejo Mycobacterium fortuitum, de muestras clínicas utilizando la técnica molecular de diagnóstico GenoType Mycobacterium CM. Material y Método: se analizaron 249 aislados de micobacterias no tuberculosas obtenidas de muestras pulmonares y extrapulmonares de pacientes sintomáticos en el período enero 2018-diciembre de 2022. La técnica molecular GenoType Mycobacterium CM se utilizó para identificar la especie. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 77 (3,9%) aislados de especies no pigmentadas de rápido crecimiento, estas se identificaron en orden decreciente: Mycobacterium fortuitum 65 (84,41%), Mycobacterium abcessus 9 (11,68%) y Mycobacterium chelonae 3 (4%). Conclusiones: los resultados reafirman que el complejo Mycobacterium fortuitum es responsable de la mayoría de las infecciones causadas por la micobacteria en rápido crecimiento en humanos. La técnica diagnóstica GenoType Mycobacterium CM es una herramienta útil para la rápida identificación de micobacterias; proporciona resultados precisos en menos tiempo, acortando significativamente el tiempo diagnóstico, permite la aplicación temprana de tratamiento específico, evitando así la propagación de la infección.

Introduction: non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) form a heterogeneous group of mi-croorganisms that can cause infection in humans. Fast-growing non-pigmented my-cobacteria (MNPCR) are of clinical interest due to the increasing number of patients infected by them and the difficulty of treatment. Within this group, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium chelonae are recognized as potential pathogens; these species have been isolated from both pulmonary and ex-trapulmonary infections. Objective: the objective of this work is to find the frequency of isolation of fast-growing non-pigmented mycobacterial species, specifically the Myco-bacterium fortuitum complex, from clinical samples using the GenoType® Mycobacteri-um CM diagnostic molecular technique. Material and Method: 249 isolates of non-tu-berculous mycobacteria obtained from pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples from symptomatic patients in the period January 2018-December 2022 were analyzed. The G e n oTy p e® Mycobacterium CM molecular technique was used to identify the species. Results: 77 (30.9%) isolates of fast-growing non-pigmented species were obtained, these were identified in decreasing order: Mycobacterium fortuitum 65 (84.41%), Myco-bacterium abcessus 9 (11.68%) and Mycobacterium chelonae 3 (4%). Conclusions: the results reaffirm that the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex is responsible for most in-fections caused by fast-growing mycobacteria in humans. The GenoType® Mycobacte-riumCM diagnostic technique is a useful tool for the rapid identification of mycobacte-ria; it provides accurate results in less time, significantly shortening the diagnostic time, it allows the early application of specific treatment, thus avoiding the spread of infec-tion.

Lady Windermere syndrome in Castile and León. / Síndrome de Lady Windermere en Castilla y León.

INTRODUCTION: Lady Windermere syndrome (LWS) is a pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). The objective of this study is to ascertain its frequency and characteristics in the northern area of the autonomous community of Castile and León. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with MAC isolates in respiratory samples from five public hospitals in the autonomous community over a six-year period, following the ATS/IDSA criteria. The MAC strains were identified by GenoType Mycobacterium reverse hybridisation probes or PCR-RFLP analysis of the hsp65 gene. RESULTS: Of 183 cases of MAC identified, only five women (2.7%) aged 68.8±10.7years met LWS criteria. In three cases, MAC was isolated jointly and intermittently with other pathogens. Only one patient was treated according to ATS/IDSA criteria. DISCUSSION: LWS remains underestimated, with affected patients representing a significant burden on healthcare resources over long periods of time. As a result, greater microbiological and therapeutic knowledge of the syndrome is needed.