Epidemiology of human pulmonary infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria

A great deal of study has gone into the assessment of the epidemiology of nontuberculous mycobacteria infection and disease in many different parts of the world. Review of the available studies provides insight into the frequency of this clinical problem as well as important limitations in current data. Study methods have varied greatly, undoubtedly leading to differing biases. In general, reported rates of infection and disease are likely underestimates, with the former probably less accurate than the latter, given that people without significant symptoms are not likely to have intensive investigations to detect infection.