A heterogeneous group of organisms that are mostly ubiquitous and found in soil, food, water, and animals.
There are more than 150 species of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM).
Only a small sunset of nontuberculosis mycobacteria are known to cause disease in humans.
Notable for environmental to human transmission.
Prevalence is increasing.
It is estimated there more than 80,000 people in the US currently living with pulmonary NTM diseases.
Increased rate in NTM infections may be due to improved clinical recognition, improved laboratory diagnostic capabilities in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.
Many NTM is that infections are resistant to antimicrobial agents.
Risk of acquired drug resistance and slow growing nature of the NTM compared with other bacterial pathogens, combination antibiotic therapy is generally recommended for prolonged periods of time.
M. avium is the most commonly identified non-tuberculosis Michael bacteria.
Nontuberculosis mycobacteria infection typically occurs in patients with underlying disease: bronchiectasis, dysregulation of immunity, specifically involving T cells (HIV) or interferon gamma (TNF-alpha inhibitors).
Treatment of nontuberculousismycobacteria involves prolonged course of several antibiotics: Azithromycin, ethambutal and rifampin.