Mycobacterium abscessus isolated from municipal water - a potential source of human infection

Abstract

BackgroundMycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium responsible for progressive pulmonary disease, soft tissue and wound infections. The incidence of disease due to M. abscessus has been increasing in Queensland. In a study of Brisbane drinking water, M. abscessus was isolated from ten different locations.The aim of this study was to compare genotypically the M. abscessus isolates obtained from water to those obtained from human clinical specimens.MethodsBetween 2007 and 2009, eleven isolates confirmed as M. abscessus were recovered from potable water, one strain was isolated from a rainwater tank and another from a swimming pool and two from domestic taps. Seventy-four clinical isolates referred during the same time period were available for comparison using rep-PCR strain typing (Diversilab).ResultsThe drinking water isolates formed two clusters with ≥97% genetic similarity (Water patterns 1 and 2). The tankwater isolate (WP4), one municipal water isolate (WP3) and the pool isolate (WP5) were distinctly different. Patient isolates formed clusters with all of the water isolates except for WP3. Further patient isolates were unrelated to the water isolates.ConclusionThe high degree of similarity between strains of M. abscessus from potable water and strains causing infection in humans from the same geographical area, strengthens the possibility that drinking water may be the source of infection in these patients.

Investigation of the population structure of Mycobacterium abscessus complex strains using 17-locus variable number tandem repeat typing and the further distinction of Mycobacterium massiliense hsp65 genotypes

“…One hypothesis is that there are common infectious sources at the global level, such as environmental opportunistic pathogens of humans and animals, which are transmitted between the environment, wildlife and imported/exported livestock. M. abscessus strains from potable water were indistinguishable from those causing infection in humans from the same geographical area (Thomson et al, 2013). Another possibility is that strains with potentially higher transmissibility have been distributed globally through humans.…”

“…The frequency of M. massiliense isolation appears to vary regionally (Harada et al, 2012;Kim et al, 2008;van Ingen et al, 2009;Zelazny et al, 2009). Recently, it was further reported that M. massiliense in Korean patients could be subdivided into two genotypes based on hsp65 sequence analysis (Kim et al, 2012).…”

Screening antimycobacterial activity of Baccharis dracunculifolia, Centella asiatica, Lantana camara and Pterodon emarginatus

“…These data support the continuous need for research about new antimicrobial drugs against M. abscessus, which is often known as the most pathogenic and resistant non-tuberculosis Mycobacterium associated with pulmonary and soft tissue injuries (Griffith et al, 2007;Thomson et al, 2013).…”

“…The inhibitory action of the EOPE on the M. tuberculosis development in vitro was significant according to Tosun et al, (2004), presenting a mean MIC value of 46 mg/mL. As can be seen in Table 3, this mean value is composed of MIC values that increase with time, reaching a saturation value of 78.125 mg/mL.…”

“…The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) less than 200 mg/mL were considered potential antimycobacterial agents (Tosun et al, 2004).…”