Non-tuberculous mycobacteria and the rise of Mycobacterium abscessus.

Matt D Johansen, Jean-Louis Herrmann, Laurent Kremer

Nature reviews. Microbiology 2020 Jul

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Infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing globally and are notoriously difficult to treat due to intrinsic resistance of these bacteria to many common antibiotics. NTM are diverse and ubiquitous in the environment, with only a few species causing serious and often opportunistic infections in humans, including Mycobacterium abscessus. This rapidly growing mycobacterium is one of the most commonly identified NTM species responsible for severe respiratory, skin and mucosal infections in humans. It is often regarded as one of the most antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria, leaving us with few therapeutic options. In this Review, we cover the proposed infection process of M. abscessus, its virulence factors and host interactions and highlight the commonalities and differences of M. abscessus with other NTM species. Finally, we discuss drug resistance mechanisms and future therapeutic options. Taken together, this knowledge is essential to further our understanding of this overlooked and neglected global threat.

Citation

Matt D Johansen, Jean-Louis Herrmann, Laurent Kremer. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria and the rise of Mycobacterium abscessus. Nature reviews. Microbiology. 2020 Jul;18(7):392-407