Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Nontuberculous mycobacteria in patients with cystic fibrosis
Janice M Leung1, Kenneth N Olivier
1Critical Care Medicine Department, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1662, USA. Janice.leung@nih.gov
Abstract:
As a result of their underlying lung disease, patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections compared with the general population. Although NTM may be present intermittently in low amounts in the airways of CF patients without an apparent clinical effect, progressive respiratory decline due to NTM disease may also occur. Identifying this latter group of patients can be challenging for clinicians because the usual symptoms exhibited by infected individuals without CF may be difficult to distinguish from the baseline respiratory dysfunction of a patient with CF. The distinction, however, is of utmost importance because those patients with clinical worsening may benefit considerably from antimycobacterial treatment. For CF patients under evaluation for lung transplantation, NTM can play a critical role in determining overall outcomes, and treatment in the pre- and post-transplant period may be vital to success. A general approach to NTM in CF thus involves surveillance to detect NTM, careful monitoring for associated clinical decline, and consideration of treatment given for those with an otherwise unexplained deterioration. In this review, the epidemiology and clinical course of NTM in CF is described with an algorithm for management proposed.
Insights
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) face a higher risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. Early detection and treatment of NTM are crucial for managing CF lung disease and improving transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit an increased susceptibility to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections.
- NTM colonization in CF airways can range from asymptomatic to causing progressive lung disease.
- Distinguishing NTM infection from baseline CF respiratory dysfunction is clinically challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology and clinical presentation of NTM in CF patients.
- To provide an evidence-based algorithm for the management of NTM in CF.
- To highlight the impact of NTM on lung transplantation outcomes in CF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NTM epidemiology and clinical course in CF.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies.
- Development of a clinical management algorithm.
Main Results:
- NTM infections are a significant concern in CF, potentially leading to respiratory decline.
- Early identification of NTM is critical for initiating appropriate antimycobacterial therapy.
- NTM management impacts pre- and post-lung transplant outcomes in CF patients.
Conclusions:
- A proactive approach involving surveillance, monitoring, and timely treatment is essential for NTM in CF.
- The proposed algorithm aids clinicians in managing NTM infections in this vulnerable population.
- Effective NTM management can improve long-term outcomes for CF patients, including those undergoing lung transplantation.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
01:24Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...