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NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIAL DISEASE
Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous and are usually found in soil, natural and treated water sources. They are relatively uncommon cause of pulmonary disease and likely to cause disseminated disease.
May cause both asymptomatic infection and symptomatic disease in humans.
There is no evidence of animal-to-human or human-to-human transmission in immunocompetent hosts.
Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease is a generally slowly progressive infection.
Signs and symptoms are generally nonspecific.

Patient Education

  • Advise patient on the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, both to achieve cure & to prevent emergence of drug resistance
  • Instruct patients regarding symptoms suggesting adverse drug reactions & advise them to seek assistance when these occur
  • Smoking cessation is important for improved airway function
  • In patients w/ hypersensitivity-like pulmonary disease, complete avoidance of mycobacterial antigen is recommended:
    • Use of indoor hot tub should be avoided for hot tub lung
    • Avoid exposure to metalworking fluid for metal grinders
  • For hot tubs & indoor pools, advise patient to follow maintenance procedures (eg draining & thorough cleaning of the tub & filtering system), patient on the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, both to achieve cure & to prevent emergence of drug resistance
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