Threat in water for drinking and domestic use: Nontuberculous mycobacteria

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been recognized as a diverse group of organisms that are ubiquitous in environmental sources. In most regions of the world, NTM are not reportable as a public health disease, so epidemiological data are not easily available. However, data in published studies note increasing trends at the rate of NTM isolation from different geographic regions of the world. Increasing NTM isolation may have important public health implications. The aim of our study is the investigation of NTM from water resources and networks in Düzce, Turkey.

NTM are common in water resources and water networks. They can cause waterborne infections in humans. A total of 120 water samples measured of chlorine and pH levels were decontaminated and filtered. Then, the filters were placed in the culturing media.

Chi-square and t-test were used for the statistical analysis.

NTM were detected in 20 (16.6%) samples. Nine of them (45%) were Mycobacterium fortuitum, three (15%) were Mycobacterium gordonae, three (15%) were Mycobacterium szulgai, two (10%) were Mycobacterium lentiflavum, two (10%) were Mycobacterium chelonae, and one (5%) was Mycobacterium peregrinum.

These environmental bacteria can cause serious illnesses in both immunocompetent and especially immunocompromised individuals. For the correct treatment of these patients, it is important to determine NTM in clinical samples. Surveillance is necessary to know the source of NTM infection, to identify and type the strains, and to establish effective control measures such as disinfection, maintenance, and modernization of water systems.