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Water as a source of potentially pathogenic mycobacteria
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Water environments harbor mycobacteria, posing a risk for human disease. This study found mycobacteria in various water types, with city aquariums and animal contact waters showing the highest concentrations, suggesting water as a potential infection source.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterial infections can originate from environmental sources.
- Understanding water's role in mycobacterial transmission is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of mycobacteria in diverse water bodies.
- To assess the potential of water as a reservoir for human mycobacterial diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 321 water samples, including natural, treated drinking, and animal-contact waters.
- Isolation and identification of mycobacterial strains using culture and serotyping techniques.
Main Results:
- Mycobacteria were detected in various water sources, with highest abundance in city aquarium water (3.5 strains/sample).
- Samples from zoo animals and fish yielded the most positive cultures.
- Predominant isolates included Mycobacterium gordonae (80 strains, 34 new serotype) and M. avian-intracellulare-scrofulaceum complex (47 cultures).
Conclusions:
- Water sources are frequently contaminated with mycobacteria.
- Potentially pathogenic mycobacteria in water represent a significant public health concern.
- Water can serve as a reservoir and transmission route for human mycobacterial infections.
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