To identify and analyze the pathogen spectrum distribution of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), to provide a basis and reference for clinical NTM identification and pathogen spectrum distribution.

The positive cultures of mycobacteria from Anhui Chest Hospital in 2020 were continuously included for identification and analysis. MPB64 antigen and PNB identification medium were used to preliminarily identify the culture-positive strains. The melting curve method was used for molecular biological identification of NTM. The antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of NTM was carried out using the microplate method.

There were 2 563 culture positive strains of mycobacteria, and finally 207 strains were identified as NTM. The separation rate of NTM was 8.08%. Among the patients with NTM infections, 117 were male, and 62.80% were over 60 years old. The top three strains were Mycobacterium intracellulare (76.67%), Mycobacterium kansas (6.19%), and Mycobacterium abscesses (5.71%). The NTMs were sensitive to linezolid, clarithromycin, moxifloxacin, and amikacin, and had high resistance rates to doxycycline, minocycline, imipenem, and sulfamethazole.

The majority of cases with NTM infections are male and over 60 years old. Mycobacterium intracellulare is the main strain of NTM, and the resistance rates of different strains are different. The level of laboratory testing for NTM and drug resistance should be improved to provide a basis for clinical accurate diagnosis and treatment of NTM infections.