Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection

Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is a lung disease caused by a group of bacteria called non-tuberculous mycobacteria. These are bacteria found naturally in soil, water, and dust that are related to the germ that causes tuberculosis (TB) but are different organisms. Unlike TB, NTM lung infections are not spread from person to person. The bacteria enter the lungs through breathing in contaminated water droplets or soil particles. Not everyone exposed to NTM gets sick — the infection tends to develop in people whose lungs are already damaged or whose immune systems are weakened. Common symptoms include a chronic cough that does not go away, coughing up mucus or blood, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, and unintended weight loss. The disease can progress slowly over months or years, and some people may not realize they are sick for a long time. Two main patterns of lung disease are recognized: a form with cavities (holes) in the upper lungs, often seen in older men with a history of smoking or lung disease, and a nodular bronchiectatic form more commonly seen in older, thin women without prior lung disease (sometimes called Lady Windermere syndrome). The most common NTM species causing lung disease is Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), followed by Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium kansasii. Treatment typically involves a combination of multiple antibiotics taken for 12 to 18 months or longer. Treatment can be challenging because NTM bacteria are naturally resistant to many antibiotics, and side effects from long-term therapy are common. Some patients with severe or localized disease may benefit from surgery to remove the affected part of the lung. While some genetic susceptibility factors have been identified, this is primarily an infectious disease influenced by host factors rather than a single-gene genetic disorder.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What species of NTM is causing my infection, and how does that affect my treatment plan?,How long will I need to take antibiotics, and what side effects should I watch for?,Should I be tested for any underlying immune or genetic conditions that might make me more susceptible?,What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of reinfection or worsening?,How often will I need follow-up tests like sputum cultures and CT scans?,Is surgery an option in my case, and what are the risks and benefits?,Are there any clinical trials or newer treatments I should consider?

Common questions about Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection

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