Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria
Environmental mycobacterial lung disease distinct from tuberculosis
This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göğüs Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →
What is Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria?
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) — formerly called atypical mycobacteria — comprise more than 190 species of environmental mycobacteria found in water, soil, and biofilms. Unlike M. tuberculosis, NTM are not transmitted person-to-person and acquisition occurs via environmental exposure.
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common NTM pulmonary pathogen, followed by Mycobacterium abscessus complex, Mycobacterium kansasii, and Mycobacterium xenopi. Disease presentations include fibrocavitary (resembling TB), nodular-bronchiectatic (the 'Lady Windermere syndrome'), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (hot tub lung).
ATS/IDSA 2020 diagnostic criteria require: compatible clinical symptoms; radiographic findings (nodules, bronchiectasis, cavitation); and microbiologic confirmation (≥2 positive sputum cultures, 1 positive BAL culture, or 1 positive biopsy culture with compatible histopathology). Exclusion of other diagnoses is essential.
Treatment is prolonged (typically ≥12 months after culture conversion) and complex, with high rates of failure, intolerance, and recurrence. Shared decision-making about timing and intensity of therapy is essential.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Chronic cough, progressive dyspnea, and constitutional symptoms with radiographic nodules or bronchiectasis warrant pulmonary evaluation including sputum mycobacterial cultures.
- Patients with known structural lung disease developing new respiratory decline should be assessed for NTM colonization versus active disease.
- Severe hemoptysis, acute respiratory deterioration, or disseminated infection with fever and organ dysfunction requires urgent specialist evaluation.
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Göğüs Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Learn About Göğüs Hastalıkları DepartmentLet us help you
You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
Related Health Topics
Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Lung Disease
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is caused by environmental mycobacteria, most commonly Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. abscessus, M. kansasii, and M. xenopi; diagnosis requires ATS/IDSA criteria—clinical symptoms, radiographic nodular-bronchiectatic or cavitary findings on HRCT, and ≥ 2 positive sputum cultures or 1 positive BAL/biopsy; treatment is multidrug 12–18 months guided by species and susceptibility (azithromycin + ethambutol + rifampin for MAC; amikacin + cefoxitin + clarithromycin for M. abscessus); newer options include amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS), bedaquiline, and clofazimine.
Asthma
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath attacks; with proper treatment it can be kept under control.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Göğüs Hastalıkları
COPD is an irreversible lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and chronic cough; quitting smoking slows its progression.
Pneumonia
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Pneumonia presents with high fever, cough and shortness of breath; the vast majority recover with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Tuberculosis (TB)
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Tuberculosis presents with weeks-to-months of cough, fever, and night sweats; early diagnosis and treatment lead to full recovery.
Pleural Effusion
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural space, resulting from imbalances in fluid production and removal, and represents a manifestation of diverse cardiopulmonary, infectious, and malignant disorders.
Pneumothorax
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Pneumothorax is the presence of air in the pleural space resulting in partial or complete lung collapse, classified as spontaneous (primary/secondary), traumatic, or iatrogenic, with tension pneumothorax representing a life-threatening emergency.
Bronchitis (Acute and Chronic)
Göğüs Hastalıkları
Acute bronchitis is mostly viral and resolves spontaneously, while chronic bronchitis is a smoking-related component of COPD.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.