College of Food Science & Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, 1KM Defense Road, Lahore, 58810, Pakistan.
Future Microbiol. 2024;19(8):715-740. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0279. Epub 2024 Jun 7.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread environmental organisms found in both natural and man-made settings, such as building plumbing, water distribution networks and hospital water systems. Their ubiquitous presence increases the risk of transmission, leading to a wide range of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. NTM primarily spreads through environmental exposures, such as inhaling aerosolized particles, ingesting contaminated food and introducing it into wounds. Hospital-associated outbreaks have been linked to contaminated medical devices and water systems. Furthermore, the rising global incidence, prevalence and isolation rates highlight the urgency of addressing NTM infections. Gaining a thorough insight into the sources and epidemiology of NTM infection is crucial for devising novel strategies to prevent and manage NTM transmission and infections.
非结核分枝杆菌（NTM）是广泛存在于自然和人为环境中的微生物，如建筑管道、水分配网络和医院供水系统。它们无处不在的存在增加了传播的风险，导致广泛的人类感染，特别是在免疫功能低下的个体中。NTM 主要通过环境暴露传播，例如吸入气溶胶化颗粒、摄入受污染的食物并将其引入伤口。与污染的医疗设备和供水系统有关的医院感染暴发。此外，全球发病率、患病率和分离率的上升突显了解决 NTM 感染问题的紧迫性。深入了解 NTM 感染的来源和流行病学对于制定预防和管理 NTM 传播和感染的新策略至关重要。
