Mycobacterial Testing Trends, United States, 2009–2015

Abstract

We studied 31 US healthcare facilities to characterize trends in mycobacterial testing. During 2009–2015, testing for acid-fast bacilli increased 3.2% annually, and prevalence of pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria increased 4.5% annually. These increases were highest for subpopulations at high risk of infection, including older women, Asians, and patients with concurrent conditions.

Keywords

• nontuberculous mycobacteria
• pulmonary disease
• epidemiology
• tuberculosis and other mycobacteria
• bacteria
• acid-fast bacilli