Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection

Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection refers to pulmonary infection caused by one of the large number (at least 150) mycobacterial species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, certain species are much more common than others.

Pathology

As with M. tuberculosis NTMs commonly cause pulmonary infection.

These organisms include:

• Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare: ~60% (on bronchial secretions)
  • see: pulmonary MAIC infection
• Mycobacterium kansasii: ~25%
• Mycobacterium fortuitum
• Mycobacteriumgordonae
• Mycobacterium szulgai
• Mycobacterium scrofulaceum / Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum​
• Mycobacterium xenopi
• Mycobacterium chelonae: pulmonary mycobacterium chelonae infection
• Mycobacterium simiae
• Mycobacterium abscesssus: pulmonary mycobacterium abscessus infection ²

Risk factors

The organisms have a prediction for individuals with pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with debilitating illnesses or various forms of immunocompromise.

Associations

There may be an association achalasia of gastric cardia and M. fortuitum/chelonae infection.

Treatment and prognosis

The guideline on the management approach can be found in reference 12.