Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium: Causes, Who is At Risk, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium infections are caused by germs which are usually found in stagnated water and soil. It is still unclear as to why this germ causes infections for a few people and does not affect others but physicians are of the opinion that people who already have a disease condition or any sort of damage to the lungs are more prone to get affected by this disease. These infections are not contagious but tend to be potentially serious. There are instances where people have required up to a year of treatment before being fully treated.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections are caused by bacteria found in stagnated water and soil. They belong to a broader family of bacteria which includes the bacteria that causes a serious medical condition called Tuberculosis. Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections are not contagious. The prevalence of these infections has increased over the years but the exact cause of it is still unknown.

Researchers are of the opinion that Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections are found equally in both males and females but they are mostly found in whites.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Infections symptoms are quite similar to that of any other infection of lung or respiratory disease and may include:

• Fever
• Hemoptysis
• Cough
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Tiredness
• Sweating at night

After conducting a detailed history and physical exam and taking history the treating doctor will order the following tests:

• CT scan of the chest to look at the structure of the lungs in detail
• Lab tests
• Bronchoscopy.

Almost all of the Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections are treated with strong antibiotics. The duration of the treatment may be for at least a year. There may be significant side effects due to chronic use of antibiotics and hence the treating physicians carefully monitor patients under treatment for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections.

Also Read:

• Tuberculosis of Lung or Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment, Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis
• Latent Tuberculosis: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Tuberculosis Prevention & Precautions for TB Infection Control