Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD): Epidemiology, diagnosis and multidisciplinary management
Kartik Kumar, Aravind Ponnuswamy, Toby Capstick, Christabelle Chen, Douglas M. McCabe, Rhys Hurst, Lisa Morrison, Fiona Moore, Matt Gallardo, Jennie Keane, Shirley Harwood, Tanya Sinnett, Sarah Bryant, Ronan Breen, Onn Min Kon, Marc Lipman, Michael R. Loebinger, Devesh Dhasmana
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental organisms that can cause significant disease in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. The incidence of NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is rising globally. Diagnostic challenges persist and treatment efficacy is variable. This article provides an overview of NTM-PD for clinicians. We discuss how common it is, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed and the multidisciplinary approach to its clinical management.