Geographical distribution and regional differences in 532 clinical isolates of rapidly growing mycobacterial species in Japan

Infectious diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly becoming a major global problem. Additionally, Mycobacteroides abscessus subsp. abscessus (MAB) infections are refractory to macrolides. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiology of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) species isolated from clinical specimens in Japan and assess differences in the regional distribution of lower respiratory specimens (LRS)- and non-lower respiratory specimens (NLRS)-derived species. 532 strains (427 LRS, 92 NLRS and 15 unknown specimens) were isolated in nine areas of Japan. We collected 418 specimens from Bio Medical Laboratories (BML), Inc., and 114 specimens from 45 hospitals in Japan. Their epidemiological differences were examined according to the specimen type, region, and climate. Fifteen species were identified. The proportion of M. abscessus group (MAG) strains was significantly lower in NLRS than in LRS (35.9% vs. 68.4%). The proportion of MAG strains was higher in northern Japan than in other regions (83.7% vs. 60.5%). Variations in strain abundance among RGM species was evident in regions with a mean annual temperature below 15 degrees C. We conclude that the proportions of MAG strains differed between NLRS and LRS in Japan. In addition, the mean annual temperature likely influenced the distribution of RGM species.

Automated summary

This study investigated the epidemiology of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) species isolated from clinical specimens in Japan, with a focus on the differences in MAG strains proportions between lower respiratory specimens (LRS) and non-lower respiratory specimens (NLRS), and among different regions. The study found that the MAG strains proportion was significantly lower in NLRS compared to LRS, and higher in northern Japan compared to other regions. Additionally, variations in RGM species distribution were influenced by mean annual temperature, particularly in regions with temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.