Clinics in chest medicine
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Clinics in chest medicine · Mar 2015
ReviewNontuberculous mycobacterial infections in cystic fibrosis.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are important emerging cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens. Factors including the steady aging of the CF population, the apparent increase of NTM in the environment, and the potential for patient-to-patient transmission, may contribute to increased acquisition. Diagnosis of NTM disease is challenging due to disease overlap; thus, comprehensive care of the CF patient must be optimized to assess the clinical impact of the NTM (indolent versus active), and to improve response to treatment. The development of a CF-specific approach to the diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection is a research priority for the CF community.
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Clinics in chest medicine · Mar 2015
ReviewMedications and monitoring in nontuberculous mycobacteria infections.
The treatment of infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is challenging because multidrug regimens with limited efficacy and considerable toxicity are required. Current treatment of NTM is largely empiric. ⋯ With this information, clinicians can make the most of the limited options available. Considerable research is needed to optimize the treatment of NTM.
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Clinics in chest medicine · Mar 2015
ReviewMicrobiological diagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.
Pulmonary disease is by far the most frequent disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). To diagnose NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), patients should have symptoms and radiologic signs suggestive of NTM-PD, and cultures of multiple respiratory tract samples must grow the same NTM species. Thus, the microbiological laboratory has a central role in the diagnosis of NTM-PD. This review summarizes currently available data on techniques involved in the microbiological diagnosis of NTM-PD, and aims to provide a framework for optimal microbiological diagnosis.