Beyond Tuberculosis: A Seven-Case Series of Central Indian Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections.

Abstract

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasingly recognised as a cause of pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic settings. We report seven cases of NTM infection diagnosed using clinical assessment, radiological findings, microbiological testing, and Line Probe Assay. M. intracellulare, M. abscessus, M. fortuitum, and M. chelonae were identified. Several individuals had received initial treatment for tuberculosis without showing any improvement. Clinical and/or radiological improvement was achieved with clarithromycin-based regimens. Early species-level identification can improve outcomes and avoid unnecessary anti-tubercular treatment.