ABSTRACT
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely distributed in our modern enviroment.
Therefore, it is not suprising that these organisms are commonly present in sputum
from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In the setting of CF lung disease, the significance
of NTM in respiratory secretions is a major diagnostic challenge. The usual signs,
symptoms, and radiographic features of NTM disease are also characteristic of CF lung
disease; thus it is difficult to determine whether the NTM are a saprophytic contaminant
or an active pathogen. Although many CF patients appear to tolerate the presence of
the NTM without clear evidence of disease, some suffer accelerated progression of
lung disease that cannot be solely attributed to CF and appear to benefit from antimycobacterial
treatment. Standard CF care should be reemphasized in patients with NTM infection,
especially aggressive bronchial hygiene. Specific guidelines for antimycobacterial
therapy in CF patients have not been determined, and potential complications of treatment
are significant. Hence, patients offered antimycobacterial treatment must be selected
carefully. An initial approach to treatment of CF patients is based on guidelines
developed for the general population.
KEYWORDS
Cystic fibrosis (CF) - nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) -
Mycobacterium avium complex -
Mycobacterium abscessus
