International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology

The International Promotion Agency of Culture Technology (국제문화기술진흥원)
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Trends in the Isolation Rates and Species Distribution of Mycobacteria from 2014 to 2021 at Referral Clinical Laboratories in South Korea

  • Tae Soung Kim (Department of Clinical Pathology, Graduate School of Dankook University) ;
  • Ga Yeon Kim (Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Dankook University) ;
  • Young Ki Lee (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health & Welfare, Dankook University) ;
  • Jae Kyung Kim (Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health & Welfare, Dankook University)
  • Received : 2023.08.03
  • Accepted : 2023.08.29
  • Published : 2023.09.30
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Abstract

We aimed to investigate the proportions of MTB- and NTM-positive tests and the distribution patterns of species isolated by contracted testing agencies in South Korea. Respiratory specimens submitted to contracted testing agencies in South Korea for AFB culture from January 2014 to December 2021 were included (533,713 specimens in total). Trends based on MTB and NTM detection, patient sex and age, culture medium type, and testing year were analyzed. MTB and NTM positive detection increased in the patients. The average ages of MTB- and NTM-positive patients increased in those aged ≥61 years. For solid culture, the MTB detection rate decreased from 5.9% in 2014 to 3.3% in 2018 and increased to 4.7% in 2021; the NTM detection rate increased from 2.1% in 2014 to 3.4% in 2018 and 3.7% in 2021. For liquid culture, the MTB detection rate decreased from 8.3% in 2014 to 5.5% in 2018 and increased to 6.0% in 2021; the NTM detection rate increased from 3.5% in 2014 to 5.5% in 2018 and decreased to 5.3% in 2021. An isolation ratio reversal between MTB and NTM was observed in 2018. In this study, we provide information on mycobacterial isolation rates and species distributions using AFB culture test results from Korea's referral laboratories. Increased MTB- and NTM-isolation rates were observed in individuals aged ≥60 years, indicating the need for regular testing and focused management for them. Expanding liquid culture applications, which show higher positivity rates than solid culture methods, is necessary.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the support of the employees of our testing center in Yongin, South Korea, for facilitating access to TB test data.

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