Thelansis

 Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) are bacteria that are normally present in the environment. Inhalation of these bacteria may cause disease in both healthy patients and those with compromised immune systems. NTM disease most often affects the lungs in adults, but it may also affect any body site. Chronic pulmonary disease is the most common localized clinical manifestation of NTM. Mycobacterium avium complex, followed by M. kansasii, is the most frequent pathogen causing lung disease in the United States. Other pathogens occasionally causing pulmonary disease include M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, M. szulgai, M. simiae, M xenopi, M. malmoense, M. celatum, M. asiaticum, and M. shimodii. Except for patients with cystic fibrosis, children rarely develop this form of NTM disease, Although some NTM patients have a history of underlying chronic lung disease. The interpretation of NTM in the sputum of HIV-positive patients presents a particular problem, as these patients are frequently in...