Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are tiny organisms that are found in the natural environment such as water and soil. They are also found in domestic and wild animals and some food. There are over 140 types of NTM, but only about 30 of them can cause infections.
People are regularly exposed to NTMs, however most people do not get sick from these bacteria.
NTMs are similar to the bacteria that cause leprosy and tuberculosis, but they do not cause these diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment for NTM is available at the Center for Disease Control's TB/Leprosy Clinic.
Notifiable disease
Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) - Guidelines for health professionals in the Northern Territory | NT Health |
| Document | Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease fact sheet PDF (160.6 KB) | NT Health |
| Document | Non-healing ulcers fact sheet PDF (164.5 KB) | NT Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease | NT Government |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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