Non-tuberculous mycobacteria

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM or MOTT) are a term for all mycobacteria that do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy. Characteristic of NTM is its high diversity in terms of adaptation to the environment and its occurrence.

Humans are in constant contact with NTM as they are abundant in a wide variety of environmental environments such as drinking water, soil, pasteurized milk, and cheese. It usually occurs in people with a swollen immune system as a result of cystic fibrosis, AIDS, lung disease, chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy or after injury.

The most common infection is in the lungs, as well as local infections of the skin, soft tissues, and the skeleton. In children, cervical lymphadenopathy occurs.

Overall, the prevalence has increased significantly in recent decades.