Infections caused by bacteria related to tuberculosis (tb)

[Michiko]

The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) are classified as mycobacteria. Many types of mycobacteria exist. Many of the types that do not cause tuberculosis (called nontuberculous mycobacteria) can cause infections in certain people, sometimes with symptoms similar to those of tuberculosis. For example, if the lungs are infected, the main symptoms of tuberculosis and some nontuberculous infections are cough, fever, and weight loss.
The most common types belong to a group known as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which includes Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare.
Other nontuberculous mycobacteria that are not included in MAC also sometimes infect people.