Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Signs and Symptoms

Although nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can affect all organs of the body, the condition primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms typically progress slowly and may include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Night sweats
• Blood in the sputum
• Loss of energy

Diagnosis

In making a diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), your doctor will first start by conducting a thorough physical examination, recording your medical history and asking about any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Diagnosing NTM may be difficult because symptoms often resemble those caused by other health conditions, such as tuberculosis (TB). If a patient does have NTM, it is important to determine which type of bacteria is causing the condition.

The following tests may be also be conducted to make a definite diagnosis:

• High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) -- This is a special type of CT scan that provides your doctor with high-resolution images of your lungs. Having a HRCT is no different than having a regular CT scan; they both are performed on an open-air table and take only a few minutes.
• Sputum Culture Several samples of your sputum will be tested in a specialized lab to check for NTM bacteria.
• Bronchoscopy This test involves the passage of a flexible fiberoptic scope about the diameter of a pencil into the lungs to obtain fluid and sometimes tissue samples to aid in diagnosis. This test is an outpatient procedure, which means you do not have to stay overnight in the hospital, performed by your doctor.

Treatment

Treatment for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) will depend on the specific bacteria causing your infection. Treatment may be difficult because NTM bacteria may be resistant to many common types of antibiotics. For some patients, the same drugs used to treat tuberculosis (TB) will be recommended. To avoid becoming resistant to medications, you may take several types of antibiotics at the same time. Because these drugs may cause side effects, your doctor will monitor you closely during your treatment regimen. The length of treatment varies, depending on the severity of the disease.