Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 20, 2026

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear
09:20

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear

Published on: July 3, 2025

1.4K

[Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections]

A Nowag1,2, M Platten3,4, G Plum2

  • 1Klinische Infektiologie, Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Horbeller Straße 18-20, 50858, Köln, Deutschland.

Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|October 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasing globally. This review explores how rheumatoid arthritis and TNF inhibitor therapies impact NTM susceptibility and immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental microbes with increasing incidence of human infection.
  • Host susceptibility, exposure frequency/duration, and immune status influence NTM disease risk.
  • Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and immunosuppressive therapies elevate NTM infection risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complex immune response to NTM infections.
  • To examine intrinsic and iatrogenic factors predisposing individuals to NTM disease.
  • To specifically focus on the role of rheumatoid arthritis in NTM susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of NTM pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Analysis of immune pathways involving key cytokines (IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ).
  • Examination of the impact of targeted immunotherapies, particularly TNF inhibitors, on NTM risk.

Main Results:

  • The immune response to NTM involves intricate interplay of phagocytes and lymphoid cells, regulated by IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.
  • TNF inhibitors disrupt these critical immune pathways, significantly increasing NTM infection risk.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is identified as a significant risk factor for NTM infections.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the immune response to NTM is crucial for managing infections in susceptible populations.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and TNF-targeted therapies necessitate careful consideration of NTM infection risk.
  • Further research into host-pathogen interactions can inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for NTM disease.
Keywords:
ImmunotherapyInterferon-γInterleukin-12Rheumatoid arthritisTumor necrosis factor-α

More Related Videos

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates10:04

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates

Published on: September 5, 2017

19.3K
Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos10:38

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: September 9, 2015

11.0K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.1K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
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...
1.7K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
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...
557
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
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...
1.0K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
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...
656
Other Pulmonary Disorders01:17

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
1.7K