Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Treatment outcomes of Mycobacterium simiae pulmonary disease: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

  • Ronza Najjar-Debbiny
  • , Raya Cohen
  • , Anat Arbel
  • , Kathrien Mousa
  • , Sharbel Hashoull
  • , Razi Abu Raya
  • , Galia Rahav
  • , Iris Zohar
  • , Amos Adler
  • , Nili Stein
  • , Freddy Frost
  • , Michal Dekel
  • , Inbal Fuchs
  • , Avital Avriel
  • , Sivan Haia Perl
  • , Michal Shteinberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Mycobacterium simiae is an emerging cause of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in the Middle East, yet treatment outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate clinical and microbiologic outcomes of M. simiae–PD. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study (2010–2022) including adults meeting ATS/IDSA criteria, stratified by treatment status. Clinical, microbiologic, and radiologic outcomes were compared. Results: Sixty-eight patients were included; 32 (47%) received antimicrobial therapy and 36 (53%) were untreated. Treated patients were younger, had lower BMI, and more symptoms. During follow-up, microbiologic eradication occurred in 44% (12/27) of treated vs. 85% (29/34) of untreated patients. Eradication was associated with higher BMI, non-smoking status, and absence of cavitary disease. Antimicrobial therapy did not improve eradication rates. Conclusions: Combined antimicrobial therapy for M. simiae–PD demonstrates poor microbiologic efficacy, highlighting the urgent need for more effective, targeted treatments.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2026
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Mycobacterium
  • NTM
  • outcomes
  • Simiae
  • treatment

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Treatment outcomes of Mycobacterium simiae pulmonary disease: a retrospective multicenter cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this