Nontuberculous mycobacteria infection among Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients attending tuberculosis referral centers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Reports of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection are increasing probably because of misdiagnosis and incorrect reporting of NTM in the State leading to inappropriate treatment regimens and deaths as a result of NTM infection than MTBC and has become detrimental especially among immune-compromised individuals. Thus, this study is designed to determine the Prevalence of NTM among Mycobacterium tuberculosis patients attending Tuberculosis Referral Centers in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 1380 early morning sputum samples were collected and incubated for the detection of mycobacterial growth, those that were positive for Acid-fast bacilli were further tested (SD Bioline) to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC). Growths that were not MTBC but were Acid-Fast Bacilli positive were suggestive of NTM. Of 1380 sputum collected, the overall prevalence of NTM and MTBC were 8.8% and 20.5% respectively in which males had higher prevalence of 9.0% and 20.9% for NTM and MTBC respectively. Patients with No-formal Education showed highest prevalence of 17.6% and 31.3% for NTM and MTBC respectively. In relation to occupation, farmers had higher prevalence of 13.1% and 29.6% for NTM and MTBC respectively. The prevalence of NTM and MTBC was highest among smokers (9,7% and 24.6%) respectively while participants with HIV had higher prevalence of NTM and MTBC than those that were non-reactive (P2=<0.05 and P1=>0.05). Seasonal infections of NTM and MTBC in the State was low during the raining season and higher during the dry season. Strengthening and expansion of clinical and laboratory services to diagnose and manage diseases caused by NTM with MTBC was highly recommended.