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Tuberculosis (TB) and atypical mycobacterial infections are bacterial infections that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body. Tuberculosis is most commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while atypical mycobacterial infections are caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) found naturally in soil and water. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent complications and, in the case of TB, transmission to others.
TB most often affects the lungs, although it can involve other organs as well. Pulmonary TB can spread from person to person through the air when an infected individual with active disease coughs, speaks, or sneezes. TB may occur as latent infection, where bacteria are present without causing active disease, or active TB disease with symptoms and potential transmission.
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are different from the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Some NTM species can cause lung infections, particularly in people with certain underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems. These infections generally do not spread between people in the same way as pulmonary TB.
Diagnosis depends on the suspected infection and may involve a medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray or CT scan, and laboratory testing of respiratory samples. For TB, molecular tests, microscopy, and cultures may be used. NTM diagnosis usually requires identifying the organism in respiratory samples together with compatible symptoms and imaging findings.
TB requires a specific combination of antibiotics taken for the prescribed duration. Treatment should be completed as directed to reduce the risk of treatment failure and drug resistance. NTM treatment varies according to the species, extent of disease, symptoms, and individual health factors and may require multiple antibiotics over an extended period.
Preventing the spread of active pulmonary TB involves early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and following recommended infection-control measures. Regular follow-up may include clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory tests to monitor response to treatment and detect possible complications.
Seek medical evaluation for a persistent cough, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever, night sweats, or ongoing breathing difficulties. People who have been exposed to TB or have risk factors for mycobacterial infections should discuss appropriate testing with a qualified healthcare professional.
