[Conditionally pathogenic mycobacteria in the environment and their effect on living organisms]

Since 1968 when bovine tuberculosis was eliminated in the Czech Republic, the epidemiological situation of bovine tuberculosis has been stabilized. At present the incidence of the disease in men and animals caused by conditionally pathogenic mycobacteria is worldwide increasing. In human population, especially people with impaired immunity are affected. In farm animals infections caused by conditionally pathogenic mycobacteria may often result in complications in intravital and postmortal diagnosis of bovine and avian tuberculosis. Those infections are then often incorrectly diagnosed which could have a great negative impact on health, economy and breeding. Therefore the objective of the study was to summarize data from literature and our own experience concerning the occurrence of atypical mycobacteria in environment. The study is divided into 5 summarizing chapters, supplemented with 13 Tables.