Like tuberculosis, an NTM infection primarily affects the lungs and the symptoms are similar. Most NTM infections progress slowly. An NTM infection can be more difficult to diagnose than tuberculosis. It is important for your health care provider to determine if the infection is TB or NTM, and if it is NTM, which specific type. In addition, it is important for the health care provider to determine whether the NTM infection requires treatment.
Some people harbor the germs and remain well.
They may need observation but no specific treatment. Others have or may be developing serious and progressive illness. Other procedures - More complicated diagnostic procedures may be required in certain cases. Most of the NTM infections are naturally resistant to many conventional antibiotics and it is necessary to use some of the same medications that are used to treat tuberculosis. In order to overcome drug resistance, the physician may be required to administer several different anti-TB medications at the same time.