PhD defence Elizabeth Tabitha Abbew

Supervisors

• Prof. dr. Tom Decroo (ITM)

• Prof. dr. em. Lut Lynen (ITM)

• Prof. dr. Leen Rigouts (University of Antwerp/ITM) 

• Prof. dr. Natalie Lorent (KU Leuven)

• Prof. dr. Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah (University of Cape Coast, Ghana)

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly detected in West Africa, yet their clinical significance in high tuberculosis (TB) burden settings remains unclear. This thesis examined the epidemiology, species distribution, diagnostic challenges, and clinical impact of NTM using scoping review evidence, laboratory analyses, MDR/RR-TB cohort data, and prospective studies in Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger. Findings reveal diagnostic gaps, including inconsistent use of international criteria and limited species-level and molecular testing. While NTM isolation was relatively common, its clinical relevance was often uncertain and did not worsen MDR/RR-TB outcomes in our study. The thesis highlights an urgent need for strengthened laboratory systems, molecular diagnostics, and regional guidelines for NTM-PD management in resource-limited settings.