Mycobacterial Infection Clinic

Mycobacteria are a large group of bacteria with more than 190 species, including the ones that cause tuberculosis, MRSA, and others that can cause long-term infections in the lungs, skin, or other parts of the body. These bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics, making them difficult to manage and requiring care from several specialists.

At Penn Medicine’s Mycobacterial Infection Clinic, you’ll see experts who understand these challenging infections. Your team will help find the right diagnosis and treatment plan to control your infection and ease symptoms. We’re one of the few clinics in the region focused on caring for people with these chronic infections.

For a complex condition like a non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) infection, the most effective care comes from experts who treat these cases every day. As one of the few clinics dedicated to managing these infections, our specialists provide the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies available, including:

• Multispecialty care: A team of infectious disease, lung, and pharmacy specialists work together to design the right treatment plan for you.
• Advanced diagnostic testing: We use the latest imaging, molecular tests, and cultures to identify the specific mycobacterium causing your infection and guide the most effective treatment.
• Targeted antibiotic therapy: Because these bacteria can resist many antibiotics, we tailor your plan, often combining oral, inhaled, or intravenous antibiotics, to treat resistant infections effectively.
• Support for chronic lung disease: If you also have a related condition like bronchiectasis or COPD, we offer techniques and devices to help manage symptoms and clear lung secretions more effectively.

Collaborative care with the Penn Lung Center

For comprehensive lung care, we work closely with the Penn Lung Center. This partnership provides coordinated evaluation, advanced diagnostics, pulmonary rehabilitation, and long-term management for chronic lung infections.

Research that leads to better care

Penn Medicine specialists are studying new ways to diagnose and treat mycobacterial infections, including NTM. Their work ranges from laboratory research to clinical trials that test promising therapies. This research helps shape the treatments available to you.