Is There A Blood Test to Detect NTM Lung Infections?

That possibility is no longer just wishful thinking—it may soon become a practical reality, with multiple testing options on the horizon.

Why Diagnosing NTM-PD in Bronchiectasis Is So Challenging

Since NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a treatable cause of bronchiectasis, international guidelines recommend testing sputum for mycobacteria during both initial evaluations and follow-up visits. But diagnosis can be tricky. Many people with bronchiectasis struggle to produce sputum, and traditional culture tests are not only time-consuming but also have low sensitivity. To complicate matters, the symptoms and CT scan findings of NTM-PD often overlap with those of bronchiectasis alone—making underdiagnosis a very real concern.

Led by Dr. Chalmers and European Researchers

A recent study titled Clinical Efficacy of Serum Antiglycopeptidolipid Core IgA Antibody Test for Screening Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in Bronchiectasis: A European Multicenter Cohort Study, brings promising news.

Led by Dr. James Chalmers and colleagues, the study analyzed data from 282 bronchiectasis patients. The results? Antibody levels were highly accurate in identifying individuals with true NTM-PD. Just as importantly, the test could distinguish those with active disease from patients with NTM isolation who didn’t meet diagnostic criteria.
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Why a Blood-Based Test Could Be a Breakthrough

This could be a meaningful breakthrough for our bronchiectasis community. For those of us who can’t easily produce sputum, a blood test could one day replace the need for invasive bronchoscopies or help avoid unnecessary antibiotics. And in a community already burdened with anxiety, quicker and more accurate answers could mean less stress and peace of mind.

Like I always say--stay the course. Help is on the way.

Thank you, Dr. James Chalmers—aka Dr. Bronchiectasis. You are there for us every step of the way.

#Bronchiectasis #NTMPD #NTMinfection #LungHealth #RespiratoryHealth #ChronicIllness #RareDisease #PulmonaryCare