The burden of M.abscessus and M.avium complex in Fife & Tayside
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The burden of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infection in Scotland, with particular reference to M.abscessus and M.avium complex
IRAS ID
242087
Contact name
Devesh J Dhasmana
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This is a study to assess the burden of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infection in Scotland, with particular reference to Mycobacterium abscessus (Mabs) and Mycobacterium avium-complex (MAC).
NTM infection is a difficult problem, causing a variety of infections, typically involving the skin and the lungs. NTM naturally reside in soil and water systems which then serves as a common reservoir for infection. Where there is contamination, it is possible to acquire the bacteria through simple cross-infection. It is unclear why some people subsequently clear the bacteria whilst others develop persistent infection and then disease. Those with weakened immune systems and/or chronic lung conditions such as bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis (CF), where damaged airways lead to recurrent infections, are at high risk of developing disease.
Antibiotic treatment for NTM is complicated and typically consists of 3 antibiotics for 18 months. The drugs themselves can cause significant illness, as the population at risk of infection given their age and associated medical conditions are for the same reasons at risk of drug toxicities. In this context, clinicians take differing views on treatment when the bacteria are first identified.
The precise burden of these 2 bacteria in the UK has not been well described to date, especially with regards Mabs. MAC is the commonest NTM in the UK, whilst Mabs is the most serious in those in whom it causes disease. Moreover, recent evidence for Mabs person-person transmission in CF now brings a new urgency to this severe and naturally resistant infection.
This study will bring together data from the national reference laboratory with detailed information on a subset of these patients from two health boards. Through these different mechanisms, we hope to build a more robust assessment of the burden of disease, and make recommendations for improved service delivery and future research questions.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
18/ES/0056
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion