A STUDY OF DISEASES CAUSED BY ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIA IN JAPAN

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Abstract
A clinical study was made of 100 cases of the disease caused by atypical mycobacteria observed in Japan by the end of May, 1966. The study included 102 cases of pulmonary disease, 6 cases of meningitis, and 1 case of multiple abscess. The clinical features of the pulmonary disease due to atypical mycobacteria in Japan are summarized as follows: Nonphotochromogens were the major causative agents, followed by scotochromogens. Both photochromogens and rapid growers were the least important agents. Four-fifths of the patients were males and approximately 1/2 of the patients had pneumoconiosis as a complication and/or a history of a long term exposure to dust. The symptoms of the atypical mycobacterial disease were generally mild, although a relatively high incidence of hemoptysis was observed. Roentgenologic findings were represented by a relatively localized cavitary lesion, thin-walled cavities, a dense and well demarcated pulmonary shadow, and the infrequency of bronchogenic spread. The clinical manifestations in most patients were similar to those of pulmonary tuberculosis, but some patients showed different manifestations. The susceptibility of the bacilli to antituberculous drugs was low and medical treatment was least effective, while surgical treatment brought about a complete cure in most of the patients. Nonphotochromogenic pulmonary disease seemed to be more extensive and progressive than the scoto-chromogenic form. Six cases of meningitis and 1 case of multiple abscees due to atypical mycobacteria are reported. No case of lymphadenitis due to atypical mycobacteria has been observed to date in Japan.

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