title: General Overview on Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Biofilms, and Human Infection.
abstract: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emergent pathogens whose importance in human health has been growing. After being regarded mainly as etiological agents of opportunist infections in HIV patients, they have also been recognized as etiological agents of several infections on immune-competent individuals and healthcare-associated infections. The environmental nature of NTM and their ability to assemble biofilms on different surfaces play a key role in their pathogenesis. Here, we review the clinical manifestations attributed to NTM giving particular importance to the role played by biofilm assembly.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Joao
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jordao