Mycobacteria, Atypical Non-Tuberculosis

(Atypical mycobacterioses)

General Information

Atypical mycobacteria are a group of bacteria that are widely distributed in nature. They can be found in water, soil, unpasteurized milk, and animals and may cause disease in humans. Many people become infected with and harbor atypical mycobacteria without any symptoms or evidence of disease. In some individuals, however, infection with these organisms may result in disease involving the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

Atypical Mycobacteria fact sheet, P-42027 (PDF)

Information for Providers

This is a Wisconsin disease surveillance category II disease:

• Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease case report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
• Information on communicable disease reporting

Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines

Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01932 Atypical mycobacteria, non-tuberculous (PDF)