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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
09:20
Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear
Published on: July 3, 2025
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Mycobacterium avium: an overview.
Caroline Busatto1, Júlia Silveira Vianna1, Lande Vieira da Silva1
1Núcleo de Pesquisa em Microbiologia Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
Tuberculosis (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|February 4, 2019
Summary
Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) is a common environmental bacterium causing disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This review covers M. avium epidemiology, identification, treatment, and associated comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycobacterium avium is a ubiquitous environmental microorganism.
- It is the most common cause of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections.
- Infections disproportionately affect immunocompromised individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Mycobacterium avium.
- To highlight key aspects including epidemiology, pathogenicity, and diagnostics.
- To discuss current antimicrobial therapy, resistance, and associated comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of M. avium research.
- Synthesis of information on epidemiology and pathogenicity.
- Analysis of laboratory identification and genotyping techniques.
- Review of antimicrobial treatment strategies and resistance patterns.
- Examination of comorbidities linked to M. avium infections.
Main Results:
- M. avium is globally prevalent in soil and water.
- Pathogenicity is linked to specific virulence factors like glycopeptidolipids.
- Laboratory identification and genotyping are crucial for diagnosis and strain tracking.
- Antimicrobial resistance is a significant challenge in M. avium infections.
- Comorbidities like HIV/AIDS and lung disease increase susceptibility and disease severity.
Conclusions:
- M. avium poses a significant public health challenge, especially for vulnerable populations.
- Effective management requires accurate diagnostics, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and understanding of host factors.
- Further research is needed to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
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