Colonization or coinfection? A case report of <i>Mycobacterium avium</i> complex detected in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis

This case study underscores the challenges in the adjudication of colonization from coinfection in mixed mycobacterial specimens. Although there are microbiological guidelines for diagnosing independent NTM infections and MTBC infections, there is an unmet need for guidance on diagnosing and treating NTM in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.