Opportunistic Mycobacteria

Opportunistic Mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that normally do not cause illness in healthy people but can cause infections when the immune system is weakened or compromised. These bacteria are found in the environment, such as soil and water. They can lead to lung diseases, skin infections, or other issues, especially in individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immune-suppressing medications. Because they are environmental organisms, they are often resistant to common antibiotics, making infections challenging to treat. Recognizing and managing these infections require careful medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.