Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Common Species
The table below identifies different NTM species and provides a brief description of each.
| Mycobacteria | Examples – Many Overlap |
|---|---|
| M. avium- intracellular complex (MAC) | MAC has become one of the most common infections in patients with AIDS; often in the lungs and disseminated throughout the body; found widely |
| M. kansasii | Most frequently causes lung infections; increased prevalence in the South – Texas and Florida |
| M. abscessus | May infect implants, such as pacemakers |
| M. chelonae | May cause post-surgical infections in artificial heart valves and prosthetic implants |
| M. fortuitum | May cause post-surgical infections |
| M. xenopi | Found in hot water systems |
| M. scrofulaceum | May cause cervical adenitis, especially in children |
| M. marinum | Found in fresh and salt water, aquariums and swimming pools; infects through breaks in the skin and may cause persistent sores |
| M. ulcerans | Endemic in the tropics; causes Buruli ulcer, large lesions; the 3rd most common mycobacterial infection in healthy people |
| M. leprae | Infects mucous membranes and cool areas such as skin; causes nerve damage and numbness and skin nodules; can lead to skin damage and infection |
