Overview
Mycobacterium xenopi infection is a condition caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium xenopi, which belongs to a group known as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This organism is found in the environment, particularly in water sources including hot water systems, and can cause lung disease that resembles tuberculosis. The infection most commonly affects the lungs, leading to chronic cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes fever and night sweats. It tends to occur in people who already have underlying lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prior tuberculosis, or other structural lung damage, as well as in people with weakened immune systems. Note that this entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet classification, meaning it may have been reclassified or merged into a broader category of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections. Mycobacterium xenopi infection is not a genetic disease — it is an infectious condition. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over many months, but the infection can be difficult to treat and may recur. The choice of antibiotics and duration of therapy depend on the severity of disease and the patient's overall health. Outcomes vary widely, with some patients responding well to treatment while others experience chronic or progressive disease.
Key symptoms:
Chronic cough that lasts weeks or monthsCoughing up blood or blood-streaked mucusShortness of breathUnexplained weight lossFatigue and low energyFeverNight sweatsChest painLoss of appetiteRecurrent lung infections
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
3 eventsNYU Langone Health
Mycobutin: FDA approved
Prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with advanced HIV infections.
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
1 availableMycobutin
Prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with advanced HIV infections.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Which specific antibiotics will I be taking, and for how long?,What side effects should I watch for with my medications?,How often will I need follow-up tests and imaging?,Is my infection likely to respond well to treatment based on drug susceptibility results?,Are there any activities or environments I should avoid?,What are the signs that my treatment is working or not working?,Should I be referred to a specialized NTM treatment center?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection
What is OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection?
Mycobacterium xenopi infection is a condition caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium xenopi, which belongs to a group known as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This organism is found in the environment, particularly in water sources including hot water systems, and can cause lung disease that resembles tuberculosis. The infection most commonly affects the lungs, leading to chronic cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes fever and night sweats. It tends to occur in people who already have underlying lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disea
How is OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection inherited?
OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection?
Yes — 2 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
What treatment and support options exist for OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection?
2 patient support programs are currently tracked on UniteRare for OBSOLETE: Mycobacterium xenopi infection. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.