Nontuberculous mycobacteria in cystic fibrosis

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) increasingly are recognized as pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis. The diagnosis of NTM can be difficult in these patients, who have chronic pulmonary infections and underlying lung disease. Current diagnostic and treatment guidelines for NTM pulmonary disease are based on data from noncystic fibrosis patients. This article reviews the cystic fibrosis and noncystic fibrosis literature and offers recommendations specific to this population.