Distribution of nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients with and without HIV/AIDS in Chongqing.

INTRODUCTION

In this study, the distribution of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) strains in patients with and without HIV/AIDS in Chongqing, China was evaluated.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in January-December 2020 at Chongqing Public Health Medical Center. NTM strains were assessed by a multi locus phylogenetic analysis. The distribution of NTM strains in HIV/AIDS and non-HIV/AIDS groups was compared. CD4+ cell counts, imaging changes, and characteristics of mycobacterial species were determined.

RESULTS

In total, 324 patients with NTM infection (50 patients with HIV/AIDS and 274 patients without HIV/AIDS) were included. The most common etiological agent was M. abscessus (29%), followed by M. paraintracellulare (12%) and M. colombiense (11%). Predominant NTM species were M. avium (26%), M. colombiense (24%), and M. kansasii (18%) in patients with HIV/AIDS and were M. abscessus (32%), M. paraintracellulare (13%), M. fortuitum (10%), and M. intracellulare (10%) in patients without HIV/AIDS. For a CD4+ cell count of <200/μl, the predominant species were M. aviumin the HIV/AIDS group and M. abscessus in the non-HIV/AIDS group. With respect to radiologic characteristics, different NTM strains were associated with distinct imaging manifestations; for example, M. marseillense, M. kansasii, and M. parasenchytosis were more likely to induce cavities. Imaging cavities, bronchiectasis, and acinar-like changes were more common in the non-HIV/AIDS groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The infection rates of HIV and NTM in Chongqing are high, while M. abscessus, M. paraintracellulare, and M. colombiense are the main pathogens causing NTM diseases in Chongqing, and NTM strains differed significantly between patients with and without HIV/AIDS. Monitoring these indicators can help develop prevention strategies.