Jurnal Respirasi (JR)
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2026): September 2026

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Emerging Pathogens in Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary Infections - A Comprehensive Review

Irene Oinike (Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.)
Rohani Lasmaria (Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.)
Zarfiardy Aksa Fauzi (Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.)
Indra Yovi (Arifin Achmad General Hospital, Pekanbaru, Indonesia.)
Nadya Arawinda Andar (Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2026

Abstract

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) refers to a group of Mycobacterium other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae, which are commonly found in air, soil and water. Although most NTM species are non-pathogenic, certain species can cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infection, particularly in immunocompromised. Diagnosing pulmonary infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria requires an integrated assessment of clinical manifestations, physical examination, radiology and microbiology or histopathology examination. In extrapulmonary infection, diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, microbiology and histopathology examination. Molecular examination may also be employed as an adjunct to confirm the presence of NTM infection. NTM infection may become progressive, therefore require appropriate treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. Treatment consists of both pharmacological approaches using combination antibiotic regimens and non-pharmacological such as supportive therapy, surgery and physiotherapy. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of definition, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management and prognosis of NTM infection.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JR

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Jurnal Respirasi is a National journal in accreditation process managed by Department of Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine Faculty of Medicine Airlangga University - Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. Publish every January, May, September every year with each of 5 (five) complete texts in ...