Yale Bronchiectasis and NTM Infections Program
The Yale Bronchiectasis and NTM Infections Program, led by Ashley Losier, MD, specializes in treating patients with chronic respiratory tract infections, including one of the most common, caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
NTM are organisms that can be found in soil and water sources, such as reservoirs. Most NTM infections in the U.S. are caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), a slow-growing group of bacteria that is underdiagnosed. Everyone is exposed to NTM, but the bacteria usually causes disease in people with underlying conditions.
Symptoms of the infection include chronic cough, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. NTM infections can be hard to diagnose due to the symptoms, which can vary from person to person and are similar to those of other conditions.
Our Approach
Working closely with microbiology, infectious disease, thoracic surgery, pharmacy, and other colleagues at Yale, Dr. Losier uses a streamlined approach to acquire diagnoses and develop optimal treatment regimens, which often require extended periods of complex antibiotic regimens with multiple antibiotics.
Dr. Losier and her colleagues counsel patients regarding multi-tiered approaches to addressing NTM infections. In addition to taking antibiotics, patients can focus on enhancing airway clearance, nutrition, and other aspects that minimize their cough. Dr. Losier’s team also addresses patients’ reactions to antibiotics, or side effects. These facets combined help to increase the chances of successful treatment.
The goal of Dr. Losier and her team is to help patients with NTM infections gain access to new diagnostic techniques, therapies, and education that improve day-to-day living and quality of life.