Disease due to Mycobacterium kansasii in the Czech Republic: 1984-89

Summary Setting: Endemic area of North Moravia, Czech Republic. Objective: Evaluate the incidence of human disease due to Mycobacterium kansasii . The follow-up of some bacteriological and clinical features. Design: A retrospective analysis of M. kansasii patients. Results: M. kansasii was isolated from the sputum, tissue and other specimens obtained from 650 persons during the period 1984–89. In only 471 of them was this mycobacterium deemed to be the causative agent, predominantly of lung disease. The most typical radiographic finding in these patients was lung infiltration and/or thin-walled cavity. Conclusion: As in previous years the highest incidence of disease remains in an endemic area of North Moravia. The effects of treatment in followed-up patients were influenced not only by the antituberculosis regimen but also by a high frequency of associated diseases. Sputum conversion within 30 days was not affected by the presence or absence of a cavity. Authors consider water to be the source of infection.