Nontuberculous mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), or atypical mycobacteria or mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT), are mycobacteria which do not cause tuberculosis or Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Introduction

See mycobacterium for more information about this genus and a list of species.

Medical classification

Mycobacteria can be classified into 3 main groups for purpose of diagnosis and treatment:

• M. tuberculosis complex which can cause tuberculosis: M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, M. africanum, and M. micoti
• M. leprae which causes Hansen's disease or leprosy
• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are all the other mycobacteria which can cause pulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, skin disease, or disseminated disease.

See Reference for more information about diagnosis and treatment

Reference

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Disease Caused by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria. American Thoracic Society. Am J Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Aug 1997 156(2) Part 2 Supplement PDF format

• eMedicine Radiology © - pictures of X-ray and CT scan of various findings of NTM disease:
  • Lung, Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections - cavity, volume loss, fibrosis, nodule, bronchiectasis, atelectasis, lymphadenopathy

See also

• Leprosy (Hansen's disease)
• Mycobacterium
• Tuberculosis