Hi there, my husband has been diagnosed with severe COPD at least 18 years ago.  He saw his Respiratologist today for a sputum result and was informed that he has a mycobacterium kansasii infection.   The specialist is referring him to a TB clinic.  I would like to find out more about this infection as the specialist said that it was very serious.   Can you provide me with information?Many thanks
Hi, I have read your query and understand your concern. Mycobacterium Kansas infection is quite similar to TB or tuberculosis caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. Their symptoms are also quite similar. Patient infected with Mycobacterium Kansas develops symptoms like cough and coughing up sputum. Some people develop blood tinged sputum. Few people have weight loss and find it difficult to breath. Some other symptoms are fever and sweating at night.  It tends to infect people with previous damaged lungs due to other conditions like COPD, TB, bronchiectasis, etc. It can also infect people with weak immune system like in HIV/AIDS. Your doctor might have told its dangerous as it can spread to brain causing meningitis as well.  But you need not worry so much. Mycobacterium Kansas can respond well to combined Chat Doctor.  If its resistant to rifampicin, then other