Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens found in soil, water, and various environments, causing chronic pulmonary infections. They are resistant to chlorine and extreme temperatures but not typically transmissible. NTM infections are often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB), especially in Ethiopia, where data on prevalence is scarce. This research aims to analyze NTM isolation from pulmonary samples and other specimens used in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) diagnosis among patients suspected or confirmed as PTB cases in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study systematically reviews and synthesizes published studies that report NTM isolation from sputum and other clinical samples in Ethiopia to estimate the overall prevalence of NTM isolation, identify the common species, and analyze regional variations in their occurrence. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine NTM prevalence in infected individuals in Ethiopia. Using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, we conducted a comprehensive literature search. Data extraction and quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis employed STATA-18 software with a random-effects model and included subgroup analysis. PROSPER registration: CRD420251000131. RESULTS: In this review a total of 5,415 participants were involved and 53.8% were TB suspected patients, 37.6% were PTB patients, 4.0% were Multidrug resistance-tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients, and 4.6% were Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. The NTM prevalence was 3.8%, showing high heterogeneity and regional species variability. The meta-analysis highlighted differences in NTM prevalence across age groups and diagnostic tools, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostics and continuous surveillance to improve patient outcomes and inform public health strategies. CONCLUSION: The review summarizes the epidemiology and geographical distribution of NTM infections and common NTM species isolated among PTB suspected patients in Ethiopia, revealing regional variations and clinical implications. Despite limited data, Ethiopia has a lower prevalence of NTM compared to other African regions and the worldwide average.