Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a large group of bacteria normally found in soil and water and some domestic and wild animals. Although NTM naturally exists in the environment and does not affect most people, some people develop a NTM infection when they inhale the bacteria in the air or in water mist, or by drinking water containing NTM.

Each year in the United States, approximately two people per 100,000 develop a NTM infection. Some people who are susceptible to the infection have an unknown defect in their lung structure or immune system, lung damage from a preexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as emphysema and bronchiectasis, or an immune deficiency disorder, such as HIV or AIDS. It is important to note that NTM does not cause tuberculosis (TB), and unlike TB, which is spread from person to person, NTM is not contagious.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007