Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Questions and Answers

What is Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)?

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), also known as atypical Tuberculosis (Atypical TB) or Mycobacterium other than Tuberculosis (MOTT), is a bacteria that is found in water, some domestic and wild animals, and soil. NTM is a primary cause of respiratory disease in humans and is a leading cause of death in HIV/AIDS patients. Learn More

How do I diagnose a NTM infection?

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) can be very difficult to diagnose and a medical professional must be able to identify the specific type of NTM. Learn More

How do I treat NTM infections?

Treating NTM infections can be extremely difficult and may require multiple drugs. Learn More

What breakthrough technology does Designer Diagnostics offer?

Designer Diagnostics (http://www.DesignerDiagnostics.com) has developed a Nontuberculous Mycobacteria test kits for the rapid identification of NTM infections. The test kits are specifically designed to be used for the rapid diagnosis of as many as 15 strains of Mycobacteria (including Nocardia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, M.avium complex) from a sputum, blood or fecal matter sample dependent on the bacteria being examined. Learn More

How does NTM affect HIV/AIDS patients?

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria is considered an opportunistic disease for those who are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Risk for NTM infection is significantly increased in HIV patients due to their suppressed auto-immune system. Learn More

How do I learn more?

You may learn more about NTM infections by contacting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by visiting their website.