Mycobacterium abscessus complex: A Review of Recent Developments in an Emerging Pathogen

Abstract

Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) is one of the most clinically relevant species among nontuberculous mycobacteria. MABC's prevalence has increased over the last two decades. Although these changes can be explained by improvements in microbiological and molecular techniques for identifying species and subspecies, a higher prevalence of chronic lung diseases may contribute to higher rates of MABC. High rates of antimicrobial resistance are seen in MABC, and patients experience multiple relapses with low cure rates. This review aims to integrate existing knowledge about MABC epidemiology, microbiological identification and familiarize readers with molecular mechanisms of resistance and therapeutic options for pulmonary infections with MABC.

Keywords: Mycobacterium abscessus; epidemiology; infection; lung; resistance; treatment.