Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Symptoms

NTM lung disease is a severe illness caused by bacteria that are commonly found in water and soil. It can cause harm to the lungs and cause people extremely sick. NTM lung disease mainly affects women older than 50 years old, who are of European as well as Asian descent. It is more common during warmer seasons. Find out more about Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Symptoms, below.

In the Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Symptoms article, you will also find various other information such as types of mycobacterial infections, mycrobacterial infection treatment, and nontuberculous mycobacteria treatment.

 

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) comprise mycobacteria that are not related to that M. tuberculosis (the cause of tuberculosis) and M. leprae (the reason for leprosy). NTM is also known as mycobacteria atypical, mycobacteria different to tuberculosis (MOTT) or mycobacteria from the environment.

Though anyone can be affected by an NTM disease, NTM is opportunistic pathogens that put certain groups at a higher risk, such as those suffering from an underlying lung condition or impaired immune systems. These pathogens are not typically passed from person to person. However, transmission from person to M. abscessus has been observed in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.

NTM are organisms found in the environment that are present in dust, soil, and water. This includes natural sources of water (such as rivers, lakes, and streams) as well as municipalities that have water resources (such as the water people bathe or drink in). NTM can form difficult-to-eliminate biofilms, which are collections of microorganisms that stick to each other and adhere to surfaces in moist environments, such as the insides of plumbing in buildings.

 

What is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)?

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are the most common bacteria that are found in water and soil. Although they don’t typically cause sickness they can trigger an infection in some people. While it is not known the reason why certain people suffer, however, they are believed to be those who are affected have already been suffering from some kind of lung damage, an immune system problem, or an existing illness.

NTM infections can develop into chronic and serious cases that require regular treatment. They are not infectious.

 

Where are NTM Bacteria Found?

Mycobacteria that are non-tuberculous life in the soil and in water. The bacteria prefer warm temperatures in which the bacteria can thrive. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are developing in the warm hot tub, and more often inside showerheads. When someone has contact with the vapors from these water toxins then the bacteria are breathed into and can cause infections.

While exposure to this bacteria may result in the development of an infection, no recommendations have been issued to stay clear of any type of water, other than hot tubs. A lot of research is underway to learn more about human interaction with mycobacteria bacteria.

 

Types of Mycobacterium Infections

Some of the causes of atypical mycobacterial infections are:

• Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare
• Mycobacterium Kansasii
• Mycobacterium marinum
• Mycobacterium ulcerans
• Mycobacterium chelonae
• Mycobacterium fortuitum
• Mycobacterium abscessus

 

What are the different kinds of mycobacterium-related diseases?

The most well-known is Mycobacterium Avium, which could cause symptoms that are similar to tuberculosis such as fatigue, fever, cough as well as weight gain.

Another one is Mycobacterium abscessus, which could cause lung damage and infection of skin tissue and other soft tissue that includes cartilage, tendons, and the fat layers and muscle beneath the skin.

 

How Is Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Acquired?

Nontuberculous mycobacteria can be found in the surrounding environment, specifically in soil and in water. In contrast to tuberculosis bacteria typically come by exposure to the surrounding environment, and not from patients who are infected. In the case of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, there is a distinct nontuberculous mycobacterium could be transmitted to patients with cystic fibrosis.

Infections can occur following inhaling dust or soil exposure to natural and urban water supplies, as well as exposure to equipment or tools that have been contaminated. Risk factors for lung infection include scarring of the lung (bronchiectasis) as well as chronic obstructive lung disease as well as cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases that are underlying.

Infections outside the lung, HIV/AIDS, and severe immunosuppression are the most likely causes. Infections of the skin or soft tissues can affect healthy individuals due to contamination of surgical equipment, or the equipment used in manicure salons or tattoo salons.

 

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Symptoms

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Symptoms. NTMs can trigger infections throughout a range of body locations, but typically the lungs, and in the following regions:

• Soft and skin (typically following trauma, surgery, and injections of drugs and other chemicals)
• Infections associated with devices (e.g. central line bloodstream infection or infections at the exit site pockets of the pacemaker etc.)
• Lymph nodes (most often in children)

The bloodstream or other normally unsterile areas in the body (disseminated) (most often for immunocompromised patients, for example, those suffering from HIV or AIDS however it can be caused by surgical procedures or devices that are invasive)

 

NTM Symptoms The term “ambiguous” can mean anything that isn’t specific can be vague and nonspecific, for example:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Reduced appetite
• Energy loss

Other signs depend on the location of the infection. They can include shortness of breath and pustules that are bloody and the appearance of rashes.

NTM Lung Disease Symptoms

Nontuberculous mycobacterial ntm lung disease. The signs and severity of the symptoms and severity of NTM lung disease differ greatly from individual to individual. People with mild nodular bronchiectatic illness may not show any symptoms in any way.

Most people will find that the signs and symptoms that are a sign of NTM lung diseases are comparable to other lung diseases. Since many patients with NTM have an ongoing lung condition it may be difficult to distinguish the signs associated with NTM lung diseases as distinct and new.

The most prominent symptoms are a chronic cough that usually creates mucus. As the illness progresses, you may occasionally vomit blood.

Other symptoms that could aid in separating NTM as a distinct lung disorder include severe fatigue as well as a low-grade fever and night sweats, as well as an unproven hunger loss as well as weight loss. There may be breathing problems, chest pain, and frequent respiratory infections, despite taking medications to cure these.