Prątki niegruźlicze i ich rezerwuar środowiskowy

A group of over 210 species of mycobacteria that do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy is collectively known as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These mycobacteria are widely found in nature, and their main reservoirs are water and soil. In addition to the natural environment, NTM are also present in urban settings, including municipal water distribution systems. In recent years, there has been observed an increase in the incidence of mycobacterioses, i.e. diseases caused by NTM. However, the prevalence and epidemiology of NTM are still rarely a subject of research.