Prevalence of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease in U.S. Medicare Beneficiaries

Rationale: Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (PNTM) are an important cause of morbidity among older adults in the United States, but national prevalence estimates are lacking.Objectives: To describe the prevalence and trends of PNTM disease among adults aged 65 years or older throughout the United States.Methods: A nationally representative 5% sample of Medicare Part B beneficiaries was analyzed from 1997 to 2007. Demographic and medical...