Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Africa: A Literature Review

Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; College of Medicine, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria; Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria

The review discusses the misdiagnosis of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) due to similar clinical presentations, leading to inappropriate treatment and increased morbidity. It identifies the lack of awareness and limited access to diagnostic tools as major challenges in diagnosing NTM infections in Africa. The study emphasizes the need for increased awareness of risk factors and access to early diagnosis for timely treatment. A systematic search was conducted, and 32 studies were included in the review, providing a comprehensive analysis of the issue.