Fig 1. Body sites affected by NTM species.

Pulmonary infections are generally due to inhalation from environmental sources. Disseminated infections are most prevalent in immunocompromised persons, such as those on anti-TNF antibody therapy or suffering from HIV. Cervical lymphadenitis presents most commonly in children. Bone and joint infections by NTM are usually introduced via trauma. Lastly, skin and soft tissue infections are initiated via surgery, trauma, or broken skin barriers contacting contaminated water. Figure represents more commonly encountered species; some less-common species are not depicted. HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; MAC, M. avium complex; NTM, nontuberculous mycobacteria; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.