Atypical mycobacterial infections are infections caused by a species of mycobacterium other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative bacteria of pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB including cutaneous TB; and Mycobacterium leprae, the cause of leprosy. Atypical mycobacterial infection has been described in the medical literature since the mid 1950s. The development and introduction of a rapid radiometric mycobacterial detection system has...

Understanding the Context

Atypical mycobacterial disease, also known as non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection, is a group of infections caused by mycobacteria other than the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). These infections can affect various parts of the body, including the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes. Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Mycobacterial infections of the foot and ankle are rare among patients with diabetic foot infections.

Key Insights

No ... Atypical mycobacteria, also known as nontuberculous mycobacteria, are organisms that can cause various diseases. These diseases include skin and soft tissue infection, lymph node inflammation, lung infection, widespread infection throughout the body, and several other less common infections. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are any wound or illness caused by Mycobacterium bacteria, except for those that cause tuberculosis and leprosy. Key points Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are bacteria found in soil, dust and water.

Final Thoughts

Although anyone can get an NTM infection, some groups are at increased risk. Treatment varies and typically requires seeing a specialist. Surgical-site and port-site NTM infections typically present with erythema, edema, and abscesses and are commonly caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria like M. fortuitum and M. chelonae. These infections may not respond to standard antibiotics, suggesting the need for NTM-specific treatment.