Investigation Resources > All Pathogens & Diseases > Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Also referred to as NTM, atypical mycobacteria, or environmental mycobacteria

Published
December 26, 2024
Last updated
May 28, 2024

About NTM

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens that can be found in soil, dust, and water. NTM infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Healthcare-associated NTM outbreaks have been traced to medical devices, cosmetic procedures, dental procedures, contaminated parenteral medications, and other exposures.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) refer to more than 180 recognized species of mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis (the cause of tuberculosis) and M. leprae (the cause of leprosy). NTM outbreaks have been reported in healthcare settings due to the ability of NTM to form biofilms in hospital plumbing and on medical devices. Healthcare-associated NTM outbreaks often result from breaches in infection control practices that allow patients to be exposed to contaminated water during invasive procedures such as injections, infusions, or surgeries.

Resources, Guides, Reports, & Toolkits

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Featured New Updated

Nontuberculous mycobacteria: Recommended Practices for Healthcare Outbreak Response

This resource includes recommended practices for NTM outbreak response in healthcare settings, including outbreak detection and reporting, investigation and control measures.

New Updated

Extrapulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) Investigative Guidelines

 By Oregon Health Authority

This resource provides sample investigative guidelines for extrapulmonary NTM in Oregon, where extrapulmonary NTM became a reportable disease in 2014.

New Updated

Public Health Strategies

 By CDC

Recommendations and resources for enhancing outbreak recognition, response, and prevention.

New Updated

Clinical Overview of NTM

 By CDC

Information on clinical aspects and epidemiology of NTM including healthcare risks and outbreaks.

New Updated

Water-Associated Organisms

Collection of resources to aid in investigating potential outbreaks involving water-associated organisms, including NTM.

Principles & Practices

Comprehensive information to build, standardize or improve practices related to HAI/AR outbreak detection, reporting, investigation, or control.

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Outbreak Reports & News