PREVALENCE OF NON TUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIA (NTM) IN HIGH RISK COPD PATIENTS

Data on the actual prevalence and factors associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in COPD patients are limited. NTM isolation has been considered a “tratable trait” in COPD patients and could influence on the treatment with macrolides as anti-inflammatories. Aim: to determine the prevalence and factors associated with isolation of NTM in COPD patients. Methods: Prospective observational study, including all consecutive patients from a cohort of C-D GOLD COPD patients with at least 2 separate mycobacterial cultures over a period of 2 years. We collected demographic data, basealine treatment, clinical, laboratory and radiological features as well as exacerbations. Results: the cohort included 245 patients. Only 137 of them could collect >2 valid sputum samples. NTM were isolated in 11 patients (8%). Only 4 patients (2.9%) fulfilled the ATS criteria for mycobacterial lung disease. Main results are shown in table 1. Conclusions: Prevalence of NTM isolation in COPD patients has been low (8%) but it could impact on treatment. Bronchiectasis and PA infection were associated with NTM isolation in patients with COPD