Animal Models of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections

The use of animal models has been essential in understanding the pathogenesis of and hosts immune response to tuberculosis, as well as testing potential antimicrobial compounds and vaccines. Experimental animals have also been used to study infections due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Because there are many different species of NTM capable of causing disease and they have varying degrees of virulence, developing animal models that are suitable for the diseases they cause isolated lung disease, skin and soft-tissue infections, and visceral extra pulmonary /disseminated disease is challenging. The goal of this review is to discuss the various animal models that have been used to study the pathogenesis of NTM infection as well as screening candidate antimicrobials, which are essential endeavors if better control of NTM infection is to be achieved.