The Full Form of NTM is Nontuberculous mycobacteria.

• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis (the cause of tuberculosis) and M. leprae (the cause of leprosy). NTM are also referred to as atypical mycobacteria, mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT), or environmental mycobacteria.
• Although anyone can get an NTM infection, NTM are opportunistic pathogens placing some groups at increased risk, including those with underlying lung disease or depressed immune systems. These pathogens are typically not transmitted person-to-person. However, person-to-person transmission of M. abscessus has been reported in patients with cystic fibrosis.
• NTM are environmental organisms that can be found in soil, dust, and water including natural water sources (such as lakes, rivers, and streams) and municipal water sources (such as water that people drink or shower in). NTM can form difficult-to-eliminate biofilms, which are collections of microorganisms that stick to each other, and adhere to surfaces in moist environments, such as the insides of plumbing in buildings.