Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Infections Program

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are caused by a group of microorganisms known by several different names including MOTT (mycobacteria other than tuberculosis), atypical mycobacteria, and environmental mycobacteria (unlike TB which is spread from person to person, these organisms are usually acquired from water or soil).

These infections are often difficult to diagnose because the organisms must be cultured in the laboratory on special media. They are also challenging to treat because they require multiple antibiotics for extended periods, usually months to years. In some cases surgery may be required to control or cure the infection. The NTM most frequently causes lung infections but can involve soft tissues, bones or lymph nodes. Species commonly seen in the U.S. include: M. avium, M. intracellulare, MAC, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, M. terrae, M. xenopi, M. simiae, M. marinum, M. szulgai, and M. malmoense.

 

Our Program

The doctors at National Jewish Health are internationally recognized experts in the diagnosis and care of patients with these infections. Our service provides a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for these cases. Patients may be evaluated as outpatients, or if evaluation and treatment is required, patients will be cared for in our state-of-the-art facility housed on the National Jewish Health campus.

If you are a patient or a healthcare practitioner and would like to be seen or refer a patient to National Jewish Health, please select an option below.

 

Related Programs


Locate an NTM support group near you.

Doctors

  • Charles L. Daley

    Charles L. Daley, MD

  • Jared J. Eddy

    Jared J. Eddy, MD

  • Gwen A. Huitt

    Gwen A. Huitt, MD, MS

  • Shannon H. Kasperbauer

    Shannon H. Kasperbauer, MD

  • Michelle MacDonald

    Michelle MacDonald, MS, RDN, CDE

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Clinical Trials

For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.

Reasons to Choose National Jewish Health

  • The leading respiratory hospital in the nation and the only one devoted fully to the treatment of respiratory and related illnesses
  • Ranked #1 or #2 in Pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report for 26 consecutive years
  • Ranked in the top 5% of hospitals in the nation by HCAHPS
  • Physicians consistently recognized among the best in the nation by multiple services, including Best Doctors in America and Castle Connolly
  • Among the top 6% of organizations funded for research by the NIH, providing patients access to hundreds of active clinical trials
  • 124-year history of focus on care, research and education serving patients from around the world with lung, heart, immune and related disorders
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