Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease: Current State of Knowledge and Future Directions

The main objectives of the two symposia were to raise awareness of nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM-LD); evaluate the key microbiological and clinical aspects of the disease, including its association with other conditions, such as bronchiectasis and common coinfections; outline the current treatment and management strategies; and review data from clinical trials of new therapies and how these could shape future management strategies. Dr Chalmers, Dr Griffith, and Dr Haworth opened the symposia by introducing NTM-LD and providing a brief overview of the key topics. Dr Ringshausen focussed on the epidemiology, prevalence, and burden of NTM-LD, and briefly discussed pathophysiology. Dr van Ingen outlined the microbiological diagnosis of NTM-LD, in particular the importance of molecular identification and drug susceptibility testing (DST). Dr Aliberti introduced bronchiectasis, outlined the relationship between the two diseases, and discussed the clinical relevance of comorbid disease. Dr Aksamit addressed the assessment and management of co-isolated NTM and other respiratory pathogens. Dr Griffith and Dr Loebinger each summarised the current treatment and management strategies, and reviewed the latest research regarding new therapies and what this could mean for the future. Dr Koh closed the symposium by outlining the latest clinical research on the natural history of NTM-LD from a global perspective.