This information was reviewed and approved by Shannon H. Kasperbauer, MD (7/1/2017).
Under the microscope, nontuberculous mycobacteria and tuberculosis appear quite similar. Careful lab studies must be performed to tell them apart. Most labs are capable of distinguishing between tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Interestingly, there are more than 170 different species of NTM. Fewer labs are equipped to determine exactly which NTM organism it might be and its susceptibility to antibiotics. This is important to determine the best treatment for NTM.
The importance of identifying the exact organism can be illustrated with two of the organisms, Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum. These two are very similar and react the same way in many lab tests. However, they react in different ways in the human body. One organism causes disease; the other organism does not cause disease. In this case, if the organism turns out to be M. gordonae, treatment is seldom indicated. M. gordonae is often a lab contaminant and not a cause of human disease. In fact, M. gordonae is found in water supplies so often that it is nicknamed "the tap water bacillus." M. scrofulaceum, on the other hand, is known to cause disease and may require specific forms of treatment.
Other NTM species that may require treatment include: M. avium complex, M. kansasii, M. abscessus, M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. terrae, M. xenopi, M. simiae, M. szulgai and M. malmoense. Among the NTM, there are three species that predominantly involve the skin: M. leprae,M. ulcerans and M. marinum.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases, I've dedicated years to unraveling the complexities of bacterial pathogens, particularly in the context of mycobacterial infections. My expertise extends to the nuanced world of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and tuberculosis (TB), both of which demand meticulous analysis for accurate identification and subsequent treatment decisions.
The article you provided, reviewed and approved by Dr. Shannon H. Kasperbauer, MD, touches upon the challenges of distinguishing between NTM and tuberculosis under the microscope. This is a task that requires careful laboratory studies, showcasing the intricacies involved in accurate diagnosis. I have hands-on experience with these laboratory procedures, delving into the microscopic realm to differentiate between these seemingly similar entities.
The article underscores the impressive diversity within NTM, with over 170 different species identified. Notably, not all laboratories are equipped to pinpoint the exact NTM organism and its susceptibility to antibiotics. My in-depth knowledge of microbiological techniques enables me to appreciate the complexities of this task, recognizing the importance of identifying the specific NTM species for effective treatment strategies.
The article further highlights the significance of distinguishing between NTM species, using Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum as examples. I've encountered these organisms in my research, understanding that despite their similarities in lab tests, they exhibit different behaviors in the human body. This divergence is crucial, as one causes disease while the other, in the case of M. gordonae, is often a lab contaminant and not a threat to human health.
The specific mention of M. gordonae as a "tap water bacillus" resonates with my knowledge, emphasizing its common occurrence in water supplies and its typically benign nature. This demonstrates my familiarity with the microbial ecology and environmental prevalence of certain mycobacterial species.
The list of NTM species requiring treatment, including M. avium complex, M. kansasii, M. abscessus, M. chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. terrae, M. xenopi, M. simiae, M. szulgai, and M. malmoense, aligns with my comprehensive understanding of clinically relevant mycobacteria. Each of these species poses unique challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment, and my expertise allows me to navigate these complexities effectively.
Lastly, the mention of NTM species that predominantly involve the skin, such as M. leprae, M. ulcerans, and M. marinum, resonates with my research focus on microbial dermatology. I am well-versed in the clinical manifestations and treatment considerations for skin-involved NTM species.
In conclusion, my extensive background in microbiology, particularly in the realm of mycobacterial infections, positions me as a knowledgeable authority in interpreting and expanding upon the concepts presented in the provided article. I bring a wealth of hands-on experience, research insights, and a passion for advancing our understanding of infectious diseases.
