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Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental organisms that can
cause chronic, debilitating pulmonary disease, leading to extensive parenchymal
destruction, inflammatory lung tissue damage, airway dilation, and respiratory failure in rare cases. NTM infection disproportionately affects older individuals, post-menopausal
women in particular, and those with chronic underlying lung diseases such as bronchiectasis, of which 80% occurs simultaneously with NTM infection. The burden of NTM disease has increased significantly in the past decade worldwide, leading to chronic, debilitating symptoms reducing quality of life and increasing morbidities, mortalities and permanent disabilities.