Introduction to nontuberculous mycobacterial infections

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental organisms that occasionally cause respiratory, cutaneous or disseminated infection; less frequently, they cause infection at other sites. Person-to-person transmission is rare, with the exception of Mycobacterium abscessus in some patient groups (eg cystic fibrosis).

This topic covers the more common nontuberculous mycobacterial infections:

• Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection
• Mycobacterium kansasii infection
• Infection with rapidly growing mycobacteria (M. abscessus, M. chelonae and M. fortuitum)
• Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer)
• Mycobacterium marinum infection
• Mycobacterium leprae infection.

For detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, refer to specific guidelines¹².