Isolation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria from the sputum of patients with active tuberculosis.

We looked for non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in the sputum of patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Oregon in 2005-2006 (n = 141). Twenty (14%) patients had NTM isolated from sputum during TB treatment. Compared to those without NTM, TB patients with NTM were more likely to have cavitary disease (RR 2.7, 95%CI 1.2-6.0) and were more likely to be born in the United States (RR 2.4, 95%CI 1.1-5.3). Further study is needed to determine the clinical significance of simultaneous isolation of NTM and TB.