Discussions
Discussions
Multiple ntm infections from single sample and bronchiectasis
I'm newly diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and as part of the follow up I was tested for TB/NTM, this has shown negative for TB but I've been found to have 3 different NTM infections which were all discovered from a single sputum afb smear/culture, is this the norm for bronchiectasis patients? Also curious if anyone else has had multiple strains at the same time and what the procedure is regarding treatment, any advice on questions I should ask at next follow up appt would also be of great help as I really have no idea regarding all of this.
Replies
Annie,
Welcome to the site.
Please review the pamphlet below.
https://www.ntminfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/englishpamphlet_ntminfo.pdf
There is a section with “ Questions to ask your doctor “.
Please post any specific questions after reading.
I wish you the best in this journey.
Many have been there or are currently going through the same experience.
Hi Annie,
Just curious: what are the strains? Commonly I believe that Avium and Intracellulare are often found together, leading to the term: Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC). That's what I had.
The pamphlet KSmiles linked to probably includes this info, but if I had it to do over, I would ask:
What will be the treatment regimen?
For approximately how long?
How will you be monitored (sputum checks? CT scans? blood work?) And how often?
Will you need to see additional specialists? (Many of us see both a pulmo and an infectious disease specialist. Plus you may need some baseline tests on vision, hearing and/or cardiology. This is to monitor for side effects from the meds.)
Which side effects should you report and which might be annoying but not alarming (if that makes sense!)
And how will they measure a successful treatment?
It can be scary when you first get the diagnosis, but you can do this! Please let us know how it's going.
Hi Annie,
Is one of them Gordonae? If so, it is often regarded as a lab contaminant and disregarded unless it grows out in subsequent cultures
Yes, so true. I grew that years ago and they said the same; it was only on one specimen
It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We make every effort to support our members, our medical professionals cannot and will not provide a diagnosis or suggest a specific medication; those decisions should be left to your personal medical team. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with COPD, please consult a physician before making changes to your own COPD management plan.
Community posts are monitored by the 360social Community Manager, as well as staff respiratory therapists, educators, and other medical professionals.