Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

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.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007