Environmental Niches for NTM and Their Impact on NTM Disease

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) refer to mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and M. leprae. The incidence and prevalence of NTM Lung disease (NTM-LD) is rising worldwide and accounts for most of clinical cases. NTM infections occur both in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. The diagnosis is based on an association of clinical, microbiological and radiological criteria. NTM lung disease treatment is challenging due to long, complicated, and difficult to tolerate antibiotic regimens. Clinicians should be aware of the aspects of NTM lung disease, including the need for accurate diagnosis, the availability of advanced molecular genotyping to identify the species, and the benefits and limitations of recommended treatments.