RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Non-tuberculous mycobacteria: a retrospective review of Scottish isolates from 2000 to 2010 JF Thorax JO Thorax FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Thoracic Society SP 593 OP 595 DO 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2013-204260 VO 69 IS 6 A1 Russell, Clark D A1 Claxton, Pauline A1 Doig, Christine A1 Seagar, Amie-Louise A1 Rayner, Alan A1 Laurenson, Ian F YR 2014 UL http://thorax.bmj.com/content/69/6/593.abstract AB There is growing recognition of the clinical importance of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), a group of versatile opportunistic bacterial pathogens. We describe the characteristics of NTM isolates in Scotland over an 11-year period using data held by the Scottish Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory. American Thoracic Society microbiological criteria were used to evaluate the clinical significance of isolates. Data presented include analysis of trends across time, species/body site associations, gender and age differences, geographical variations and the association between cystic fibrosis and Mycobacterium abscessus. We emphasise the need for standardised reporting criteria for NTM isolates to ensure optimal surveillance of NTM disease.