Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections

NTM lung infections usually affect patients who have pre-existing chronic lung conditions. Examples of these conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis (scarring of lung tissue and dilated airways) and previous tuberculosis infection of the lungs. 

Those with hospital acquired NTM infections are usually related to recent procedures or presence of indwelling medical devices in the body. For example, a patient who had recent surgery done may be complicated by NTM infection of the surgical wound. Or a patient undergoing dialysis via a catheter may have NTM infection of the device resulting in a bloodstream infection. 

As these are organisms readily found in the environment, exposure to non-medical procedures with unhygienic practices can also cause infection. An example would be a skin infection following tattooing from using ink contaminated with NTM.

Any underlying condition that causes a person’s immunity to be affected can also predispose to NTM infections. In those situations, there is a possibility of more severe infection or NTM infection involving more than 1 area of the body.