Mycobacterium Infections
What Are Mycobacterium Infections?
Mycobacterium infections are caused by bacteria from the Mycobacterium genus, a group of rod-shaped bacteria that can be found in water, soil, dust, and air. While most Mycobacterium species are harmless, certain species can cause diseases in animals and humans. Mycobacterium infections are sometimes referred to as nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Types of Mycobacterium Infections
Different types of mycobacterial infections can occur. These include:
- Pulmonary disease, which affects the lungs
- Skin infections, such as leprosy and Buruli ulcer
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which can cause severe infection in people with compromised immunity
- Mycobacterium bovis, which can cause tuberculosis (TB) in animals and humans
Causes and Risk Factors of Mycobacterium Infections
Mycobacterium infections can be caused by:
- Exposure to contaminated animals, water, soil, and dust
- Use of contaminated medical or dental devices
- Recent hospitalization or surgery
- Weakened immune system
Signs and Symptoms of Mycobacterium Infections
The signs and symptoms of mycobacterial infections vary depending on the type and location of the infection and can include:
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Skin changes, including redness and lesions
- Nerve pain
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosing Mycobacterium Infections
Doctors use a variety of tests to diagnose mycobacterial infections, including sputum tests, chest X-rays, blood tests, and tissue biopsies. If a diagnosis is made, doctors will also check to see if the infection is drug-resistant, which can affect the treatment.
Treating Mycobacterium Infections
Treatment of mycobacterial infections usually involves a combination of antibiotics. Treatment can be lengthy and, in some cases, may last for years. In some cases, treatment may not be successful, and symptoms can worsen.