Non tuberculosis mycobacterium

1. Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium

2. Introduction of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
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 doctors 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.
Causes of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
Non-Tuberculosis 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. Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infections are not
contagious. The prevalence of these infections has increased over the years but the exact cause of
it is still unknown.

3. How serious are Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium infections?
Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium infections can become chronic and require ongoing
treatment. Some patients, however, do not require treatment for their less severe infections.
Who is at risk for developing Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium?
Researchers are of the opinion that Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infections are found
equally in both males and females but they are mostly found in whites.

4. Symptoms of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infections symptoms are quite similar to that of any other
infection of lung or respiratory disease and may include:
•Fever
•Haemoptysis
•Cough
•Weight loss
•Appetite loss
•Tiredness
•Sweating at night

5. Diagnoses of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
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

6. Treatments of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
Almost all of the Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium 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 Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infections.

7. Treatments of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium
Almost all of the Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium 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 Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Infections.