Progress in epidemiological studies on non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease / 中华临床感染病杂志

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogenic bacteria associated with a series of infections. NTM infection can cause pathological changes of related tissues and organs, namely NTM disease. With the further improvement of examination methods, there is more profound understanding of NTM disease, and its epidemiological significance. This article summarizes the research progress on the cell structure, physiological characteristics, pathogenicity, distribution characteristics of NTM; and the morbidity and prevalence, transmission routes and risk factors of NTM disease, to provide information for effective control and treatment of NTM infections.