Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread and naturally occurring in the environment, especially in soil and water. NTM are opportunistic pathogens that have a strong affinity for infecting patients in health care settings. The potable water systems that supply many U.S. health care facilities are excellent reservoirs for NTM to occur naturally. NTM causes both pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease, depending on the body site of the infection.

• Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)
  Pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are the most common NTM infections. Pulmonary NTM infections occur in the lungs as a result from inhalation of airborne particles containing the bacteria. Find more information about pulmonary NTM, who is most at risk, and how it is spread, as well as information for health professionals on the case definition and surveillance on our pulmonary NTM web page.
  
  
• Extrapulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (ENTM)
  Extrapulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (ENTM) infections are less common than pulmonary NTM infections. ENTM infections occur in any body site outside of the lungs. Find more information about ENTM and how it is spread, as well as information for health professionals on the case definition and surveillance on our ENTM web page.