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This section is for public and private health professionals who may be involved in diagnosing or treating a patient with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease and leprosy.
Read more information about tuberculosis (TB) for health professionals.
NTM disease is not uncommon in Queensland. NTM are found in the environment (eg. water, soil) and this is the source of most human infections rather than transmission from human to human. They include all mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Currently, more than 125 species of NTM have been identified of which approximately 60 are suspected or known to cause disease in humans.
Under the Public Health Act 2005, all cases of significant NTM disease must be notified to the Queensland Tuberculosis Control Centre (QTBCC). Reporting of NTM is notifiable in Queensland principally because these isolates can confound the diagnosis and public health management of TB. The QTBCC receives notification of all NTM isolated at the Queensland Mycobacterial Reference Laboratory (MRL) and some NTM isolated by private laboratories.
From a nursing perspective, Queensland Tuberculosis Control Program (QTCP) only facilitates the supply of prescribed medication for NTM patients and home visiting is not routinely undertaken.
Under the Public Health Act 2005, all cases of leprosy must be notified to the QTBCC to allow for data collection. Notifications of leprosy are rare, with only 13 cases notified between 2002 and 2009.
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