Figure 1. Studied populations and group classifications.

^aNTMs were isolated from both sterile and nonsterile samples in six out of 23 cases, but no diagnosis and treatment data support the view that isolates from the nonsterile sites have contributed to infection. ^bThese cases were regarded as true NTM infections on the basis of their initial diagnoses and records of receiving relevant treatment (41 cases), or by only having a history of receiving relevant treatment (five cases).