Inter-annual variation in colonization frequency and the magnitude of the intra-annual changes we observed are comparable with previous reports for this species and consistent with observed fluctuations in spore density [17], [20], [71].
Inter-annual variation in colonization frequency was also observed (e.g. Mar02 = 0.63, Mar03 = 0.72, Mar04 = 0.44) (Table 1).
We used explicit dynamics models to estimate variation in annual occupancy, extinction, and colonization of wetlands according to summer drought and several biophysical characteristics (e.g., wetland size, elevation), including the influence of North American beaver (Castor canadensis).
The trend in annual prevalence rates of colonization was examined using Poisson regression analysis.
During the study period, annual incidences of NTM colonization and disease increased from 6.6/100,000 inpatients and 2.7/100,000 outpatients in 2000 to 34.5/100,000 inpatients and 10.2/100,000 outpatients in 2008.
Annual incidence of MAC colonization increased from 1.9/100,000 inpatients in 2000 to 12.3/100,000 inpatients in 2008; incidence of MAC disease also increased from 0.5/100,000 inpatients in 2000 to 2.1/100,000 inpatients in 2008.
The annual prevalence rates of NTM colonization and disease were calculated as the annual number of patients with NTM colonization and disease divided by the total number of patients who visited the NTUH, including outpatients and inpatients in each indicated year.
Annual incidence of M. abscessus colonization and infection also increased from 1.49/100,000 inpatients and 0.3/100,000 outpatients in 2000 to 7.0/100,000 inpatients and 1.9/100,000 outpatients in 2008.
Annual proportions of MAC isolates causing colonization ranged from 20.0% in 2000 to 12.6% in 2006.
Annual proportions of NTM isolates causing colonizations ranged from 29.2% in 2001 to 19.8% in 2007.
