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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
06:27
Identification of Mycobacterium Species by DNA Microarray Chip Method
Published on: June 24, 2025
Proposal to elevate Mycobacterium avium complex ITS sequevar MAC-Q to Mycobacterium vulneris sp. nov
J van Ingen1, M J Boeree, K Kösters
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. jakko.van.ingen@rivm.nl
Summary
A new Mycobacterium species, Mycobacterium vulneris, is proposed for scotochromogenic strains within the Mycobacterium avium complex. These isolates, causing extrapulmonary infections, exhibit unique genetic and phenotypic characteristics distinguishing them from related species.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Mycobacterial Taxonomy
Background:
- The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) comprises several species, with ongoing research to define new taxa.
- Non-tuberculous mycobacteria can cause opportunistic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Extrapulmonary infections by MAC strains in immunocompetent hosts suggest significant virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize two distinct isolates of a scotochromogenic, slowly growing Mycobacterium species from the MAC.
- To determine if these isolates represent a novel species within the Mycobacterium avium complex.
- To propose a new species name and designation for these unique mycobacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing of 16S rRNA, hsp65, and rpoB genes.
- Analysis of the MAC-Q 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.
- Phenotypic characterization including pigment production, enzymatic tests, and susceptibility profiling.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for mycolic acid analysis.
Main Results:
- Isolates displayed unique 16S rRNA and MAC-Q ITS sequences, with high similarity to Mycobacterium colombiense.
- hsp65 and rpoB gene sequences showed similarities to Mycobacterium avium and M. colombiense, respectively.
- Distinct phenotypic traits (scotochromogenicity, catalase activity, oleic acid susceptibility) and a unique mycolic acid profile were observed.
- These genetic and phenotypic findings support the classification of these isolates as a separate species.
Conclusions:
- The characterized isolates represent a distinct species within the Mycobacterium avium complex.
- The proposed name Mycobacterium vulneris sp. nov. is suggested for these scotochromogenic strains.
- This finding expands the known diversity of the Mycobacterium avium complex and highlights potential new pathogens.
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