Nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in transplant recipients: early diagnosis and treatment

Recent studies have documented the protean nature of the clinical presentation of NTM infections in transplant recipients. These studies, as well as previously published reports, highlight the need for a high index of suspicion for clinicians when managing transplant patients with unexplained fever, cutaneous lesions, joint infections, or radiographic opacities. Early diagnosis of NTM infection and initiation of therapy are needed to prevent morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.