Disease
Atypical Mycobacteria (Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections)Description
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a diverse group of bacteria that include more than 150 different species, some of which can infect and cause illness in humans. The term nontuberculous mycobacteria refers to all the species in the family of mycobacteria that may cause human disease but that do not cause tuberculosis (TB). Photo source for M. fortuitum: CDC, Margaret Williams and Janice Haney Carr
These bacteria are common throughout the world, thriving in soil and water – including rivers and swamps, treated drinking water, swimming pools, hot tubs, humidifiers, aquariums/fish tanks, and garden soils – in both rural and urban settings. Significantly, NTM often contaminate the water supplies of hospitals and other medical facilities. Because they are protected by their waxy, fatty (lipid-rich) cell walls, NTM are resistant to usual disinfectants, water treatment measures, and antibiotics.
Related Test
AFB smear
Molecular tests for NTM
AFB cultures
Susceptibility testing