Advances in the Understanding and Management of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria Infections

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infections, particularly those caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, are of increasing concern due to their potential to cause life-threatening conditions, especially in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Despite the pressing nature of these infections, the treatment landscape is fraught with challenges stemming from poor diagnostic capabilities and the inefficacy of current therapeutic options.

Recent advancements in the field have paved the way for deeper understanding and potential breakthroughs in the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NTM infections. These advancements will be showcased at the Colorado Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Conference, scheduled from May 27th to 30th, 2025, at Colorado State University. This gathering will feature leading researchers and their insights into NTM research, focusing on epidemiological trends, novel diagnostic methodologies, therapeutic innovations, and the physiological mechanics of NTMs.

This Research Topic aims to shine a spotlight on the critical knowledge gaps and future directions necessary for improving the treatment of NTM infections.

Exploring the challenges associated with these infections relies heavily on understanding not only the medical but also the environmental and physiological factors that contribute to NTM proliferation and resistance. By addressing these elements, researchers hope to inform better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and enhance public health outcomes.

This Research Topic welcomes submissions on, but not limited to, the following areas:
• Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects of NTM Pulmonary Disease
• Diagnostics, Biomarkers and Vaccines
• Pathogenic strategies of NTM and host immune response to NTM infections
• Genetics and Physiology of NTM
• Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Trials

Submissions to this Research Topic is reserved to attendees of the 2025 Colorado Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Conference. Articles that are accepted for publication following rigorous peer review will incur a publishing fee charged to authors, institutions, or funders. The top three posters, selected by the 2025 Colorado Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria Conference organizing committee, will receive a publication full waiver for an NTM-themed publication to be submitted to this partnered Research Topic in Frontiers in Tuberculosis.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria, NTM, Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium avium, NTM diagnosis, NTM treatment, NTM models, Pathogenesis, NTM Pathogenesis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.