Extrapulmonary Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections: A Decade Review in a Belgian Tertiary-Care Hospital

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a heterogeneous group of bacteria under the genus Mycobacterium, excluding the M. tuberculosis complex. NTM are characterized by exceptional adaptability and durability and are found worldwide in aquatic and soil environments, especially watery reservoirs such as tap water and showerheads. More than 200 species with variable pathogenicity Published: 2025 Dec 30 transition zone to aid in infecting humans. Contaminated water sources, particularly showerheads, are the most proven environmental source of NTM infection. The ability of NTM to form different morphotypes and robust biofilms may play a role in pathogenesis. Microbiological diagnosis is difficult, yet essential to determine species and are described [3,4]. NTM can be identified as incidental organisms from the skin, upper respiratory tract, genital region, and intestinal tract of asymptomatic individuals without being part of the microbiota. [...]