Isolation of Mycobacterium simiae from clinical specimens in Israel

Over a period of 7 years (1975-1981), 399 strains of mycobacterium, isolated from 287 persons and one monkey, were identified by a specialized Mycobacterium laboratory as Mycobacterium simiae. About 93% of isolates were from sputum or laryngeal swabs. All persons but one (181 males and 106 females) resided in the coastal plain, mainly the Tel Aviv area. From 240 single isolations were obtained, from 29 there were 2 isolations and from 18 there were 3 or more isolations. The 18 cases with multiple isolations are presented and discussed.