Environmental Reservoirs of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria in Cystic Fibrosis Households: A Case-control Study of Exposure Risk at Home
This multicenter, non-interventional case-control study investigates whether household environmental reservoirs, particularly water systems, are associated with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections in people with cystic fibrosis. Environmental samples from the homes of CF patients with and without NTM infection will be analyzed and genetically compared with available clinical isolates, alongside assessment of environmental risk factors, to improve understanding of exposure pathways and inform future prevention strategies.
• Confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)
• No age restriction (including minors with consent from legal guardians)
• Written informed consent to participate in the study (or consent provided by a legal guardian for minors)
• In the case of an NTM infection: diagnosis according to ATS/IDSA criteria and availability of a clinical NTM isolate