NTM: An arising threat in health concern

S4A - Tuberculosis
NTM: AN ARISING THREAT IN HEALTH CONCERN

Zulaikah Mohamed
Johor Bahru Public Health Laboratory, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a group of mycobacterium species other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and Mycobacterium Leparae (M. leprae).   NTM is known as a harmless environmental saprophytic which may only cause infection in individuals with defective lung structure or the immunosuppressed. However, the prevalence of NTM infections has been increasing gradually since the year 2000 whereby, NTM is infectious to immune-competent children and adults, especially through pulmonary infection.  On the other hand, the prevalence of NTM related to clinical relevance or colonization also needs to be considered, besides the role and choice of antibiotics for treatment.