Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections depend on which part(s) of the body are involved. Pulmonary infections may cause TB-like symptoms, including:
- Chronic cough, sometimes with bloody sputum
- Fever
- Chills
- Weight loss
- Weakness
Skin-related NTM infections may cause persistent sores, boils, ulcers, and granulomas. Those affecting lymph nodes may cause inflammation in the node.
All of these symptoms may also be seen in a variety of other conditions. The diagnosis of most NTM infections depends on the positive identification of mycobacteria in body fluids or tissues.
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