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Case Study | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 574 - 576 | India
Pulmonary Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Mimicking Tuberculosis: A Case Series Diagnosed by Bronchoalveolar Lavage Culture
Abstract: Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly in TB-endemic regions, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate therapy. This prospective case series describes six adults presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms and radiological findings suggestive of tuberculosis who showed poor response to empirical anti-TB therapy or conventional therapy. All patients underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for microbiological evaluation following inconclusive sputum investigations. BAL culture identified NTM, including Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium complex. High-resolution computed tomography demonstrated bronchiectatic and fibrocavitary patterns consistent with pulmonary NTM disease. Species-directed treatment resulted in early clinical improvement. These findings emphasize the importance of considering pulmonary NTM in patients with presumed tuberculosis who fail conventional treatment and support BAL culture as a valuable diagnostic tool for microbiological confirmation.
Keywords: Non tuberculous mycobacteria, pulmonary NTM disease, bronchoscopy, tuberculosis mimic, bronchiectasis, and BAL culture
How to Cite?: Dr. Swetha Pasupuleti, Dr. Sharadruthi Akula, Dr. Surya Narayana Reddy Kovvuri, Dr. P. V. Potdar, "Pulmonary Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection Mimicking Tuberculosis: A Case Series Diagnosed by Bronchoalveolar Lavage Culture", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 574-576, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26508223015, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26508223015