Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteriosis and Chronic Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Mycosis without Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Objective The frequency of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteriosis (pNTM), chronic lower respiratory tract infections (cLRTIs), and pneumonia in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis (ABPM) without cystic fibrosis has not yet been fully investigated.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients with ABPM focusing on the frequency of pNTM and cLRTIs, acute exacerbation of cLRTIs, and pneumonia.
Results During a median follow-up period of 2,299 days (range, 118-6,138 days), 7 patients developed pNTM (mainly Mycobacterium avium complex), and 21 patients developed cLRTI (mostly from Staphylococcus aureus followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Twelve patients developed 21 episodes of acute exacerbation of cLRTIs, and 4 patients developed pneumonia.
Conclusion Patients with ABPM can have concomitant NTM infection and, not uncommonly, cLRTI, and they can also sometimes develop pneumonia or an acute exacerbation of cLRTI.