Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in children

Based on strong evidence from independent gold standard studies of independent populations, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease is acquired from environmental exposures and affects both immunocompetent and immunocompromised children. (15)(20) • Based on strong evidence from independent gold standard studies of independent populations, rapidly growing NTM, which are resistant to a variety of antimycobacterial agents, have become an important cause of skin and soft tissue infections, and outbreaks of disease have been reported in association with medical tourism. Likewise, pulmonary infections due to resistant NTM have become increasingly problematic for patients with CF. (2)(34)(37) • Based on strong evidence from independent gold standard studies of independent populations, advances in molecular biology have led to improved diagnostics, which provide for a timelier diagnosis and allow for differentiation of organisms at the species and subspecies levels. Depending on the host and type of disease, this differentiation may be important in guiding initial therapy before susceptibilities are available. (10)(72)(74) • Based on strong evidence from independent gold standard studies of independent populations, treatment of NTM-associated disease is site specific and should also take into account the immune status of the host and organism susceptibility testing results.(2)(10)(75).