Abstract
BackgroundThe genus Mycobacterium contains more than 100 species, most of which are classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In Zambia, the NTM are slowly becoming recognized as pathogens of major public health significance with the advent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This study aimed at reporting the isolated NTM and ascertains their zoonotic potential and diagnostic significance in Zambia.MethodA total of 100 sputum samples were collected from three health facilities from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis human patients. In addition, 67 lymph node tissue samples from cattle and 14 from Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis) showing tuberculosis-like lesions were collected. The samples were appropriately decontaminated and cultured on Middlebrook 7H10 and Stone brink. The isolates were then identified accordingly using the 16S ribosomal RNA analysis method.ResultsA total of 8 NTM were isolated from human sputum, 12 from cattle and 1 from the Kafue lechwe. The identified NTM included M. intracellulae, M. abscess, M. chimaera, M. bolleti, M. fortuitum and M. stomatopae sp. Nov.ConclusionThe isolation of NTM from humans and animals at the interface in Namwala district has highlighted the clinical significance and diagnostic challenge. The epidemiological investigation of NTM in the study area is therefore recommended. This should include sampling from environmental sources such as water and soil.
Highlights
The genus Mycobacterium contains more than 100 species, most of which are classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) [1] and mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) [2]
In this paper we only report the NTMs isolated from humans, cattle and Kafue lechwe
Mycobacteria were detected by culture in 47 samples
Summary
The genus Mycobacterium contains more than 100 species, most of which are classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The genus Mycobacterium contains more than 100 species, most of which are classified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) [1] and mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) [2]. Mycobacteria are aerobic, nonmotile, non-spore forming, Gram positive, straight or slightly curved rods 1.5 to 4 μm long and 0.3 to 0.5 μm wide. Their cell wall has a high lipid content which once. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria encompass all mycobacteria other than the species belonging to the MTC and Mycobacterium leprae. The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most commonly encountered group of NTM. In Zambia, the NTM are slowly becoming recognized as pathogens of major public health significance with the advent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) [7,8]
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