Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is a rapidly growing, non-tuberculous mycobacterium that has emerged as a significant pathogen in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. It is rising in prevalence, especially among individuals with underlying lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, highlighting its growing clinical importance.
Anne Friedland, MD, conducted a review aimed at providing a summary of the current understanding of macrolide resistance mechanisms in MAB. She explored the epidemiology of resistance in various countries and the molecular mechanisms underlying it. She has highlighted the variability in sensitivity of existing markers to predict phenotypic macrolide drug resistance across different countries, suggesting the involvement of unknown resistance mechanisms.