Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), an extremely diverse group with a wide spectrum of virulence, appear to be rising in prevalence. This may be due to both increased awareness and improved diagnosis, among other factors. Most NTM-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) infections are caused by the slow growingMycobacterium avium complex(MAC) however, other species can also cause pulmonary disease includingM. abscessus, M. xenopi, M. malmoenseandM. kansasii.Symptoms of NTM-PD vary considerably and may

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... chronic cough, with or without sputum production or haemoptysis. Treatment options are limited at present and associated with significant intolerance, treatment failures and drug–drug interactions. Further prospective studies are needed to define suitable drug regimens for different NTM species and to improve knowledge of the natural history and epidemiology of NTM-PD.