Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Pulmonary Infections: NTM are a type of bacteria that occur naturally in the environment (water and soil) which do not cause tuberculosis or leprosy. NTM do cause pulmonary infections that resemble tuberculosis, however. Human disease from NTM is believed to be caused by environmental exposure. There is no evidence that NTM-related infections can be contracted by animal-to-human or human-to-human contact. Check out this infographic to learn more about notuberculous mycobacteria, who is at risk for infection, symptoms, and treatment: