Species Of Atypical Mycobacteria Research Articles

Simultaneous Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Atypical Mycobacteria by DNA-Microarray in Egypt

Background and Objectives: Immunocompromised patients are a high-risk group for developing mycobacterial infections with either pulmonary and/or extrapulmonary diseases. Low-cost/density DNA-microarray is considered an easy and efficient method for the detection of typical and atypical mycobacterial species. Materials and Methods: Thirty immunocompromised patients were recruited to provide their clinical specimens (sputum, serum, urine, and lymph node aspirates). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA-microarray techniques were performed and compared to the conventional methods of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and Lowenstein Jensen culturing. Results: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected in all 30 clinical specimens (100% sensitivity) by real-time PCR and DNA-microarray. Additionally, coinfection with 4 atypical species belonging to nontuberculous mycobacteria was identified in 7 sputum specimens. These atypical mycobacterial species were identified as M. kansasii 10% (n = 3), M. avium complex 6.6% (n = 2), M. gordanae 3.3% (n = 1), and M. peregrinum 3.3% (n = 1). Conclusion: This study documents the presence of certain species of atypical mycobacteria among immunocompromised patients in Egypt.

AB157. 155. Case study: the effective treatment of a rare atypical mycobacterium species wound infection arising from a sub-pectoral silicone breast implant

AB157. 155. Case study: the effective treatment of a rare atypical mycobacterium species wound infection arising from a sub-pectoral silicone breast implant

Cultural and morphological properties of atypical mycobacteria isolated from pigs on the territory of the Novosibirsk region

When examining biomaterial from tuberculin-reacting pigs, we have isolated 58 cultures of acid-fast mycobacteria, or 7,5 percent of the number of samplesstudied. The rate of cultures isolation from hen biomaterialamounted to 12.5 percent, from synanthropic birds 7.5 percent, from environmental samples 9.4 percent. Resulting from cultural, biochemical and morphological studies, 6 species of atypical mycobacteria were found to persist in the organism of pigs, reacting to avian and mammalian PPD complexes, and in the environment of tuberculosis-free pig-producing farms in Novosibirsk Region. These mycobacteria species belong to 2–4 groups according to the Runyon’s classification, and include M. xenopi, M. avium-intracellulare, M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis, M. phlei, and M. scrofulaceum. Major field isolates from both pig biomaterial and the environment are represented by M. avium-intracellulare complex that indicates their wide distribution. From the samples of various environmental objects, being main sources of mycobacterioses in pigs, were isolated and identified 28 cultures of different species of atypical mycobacteria with M. avium-intracellulare complex prevailed.&nbsp

Surveillance and Prevention of Surgical Site Infections in Breast Oncologic Surgery with Immediate Reconstruction.

Surgical site infection (SSI) after immediate breast reconstruction is much more common than would be expected after a clean surgical procedure. Although the SSI rates reported in individual studies are quite variable, there are no obvious explanations for the variation in infection rates between institutions. The microbiology of these SSIs is unusual, with higher proportions of infections caused by atypical Myobacterium species and Gram-negative bacilli than would be expected for this anatomic site. In an effort to prevent SSIs, many surgeons use a variety of different practices including irrigation and soaking of implants with antibiotic solutions and prolonged duration of prophylactic antibiotics, although the literature to support these practices is very sparse. In particular, prolonged use of antibiotics post-discharge is concerning due to the potential for harm, including increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, development of antibiotic resistant organisms, and drug-related allergic reactions. With higher rates of mastectomy and breast implant reconstruction in women with early-stage breast cancer, including greater utilization of reconstruction in higher-risk individuals, the number of women suffering from infection after oncologic reconstruction will likely continue to increase. It is imperative that more research be done to identify modifiable factors associated with increased risk of infection. It is also essential that larger studies with rigorous study designs be performed to identify optimal strategies to decrease the risk of SSI in this vulnerable population.

Mycobacterial Arthritis and Synovitis in Painted Reed Frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Several species of atypical mycobacteria have been isolated from wild and captive amphibians. In captive anurans, cutaneous and visceral mycobacteriosis are common and can result in significant mortality, particularly when animals are immunocompromised. Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis are reported rarely in amphibians. We describe 20 cases in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus), which presented with cachexia, limb paresis or paralysis or 'spindly leg syndrome'. Histopathology revealed multifocal histiocytic to granulomatous synovitis affecting appendicular, rib or spinal intervertebral joints. Periarticular granulomata, granulomatous cellulitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, necrosis and degeneration were also present. In one case, granulomatous spinal osteomyelitis was recorded. Ziehl-Neelsen stains showed large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in macrophages and histiocytes. The mycobacterial isolates obtained from culture were identified as members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (either M. chelonae or Mycobacterium abscessus). This was confirmed by 5'-16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. In 17 cases mycobacterial lesions were present only in the joints and skeleton, highlighting the importance of not ruling out mycobacterial infection on the basis of absence of cutaneous or visceral lesions.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of rapidly growing mycobacteria isolated from cases of surgical site infections by microbroth dilution method at a Tertiary Care Center

Aim: The study was carried out to ascertain antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) isolated from cases of surgical site infections from May 2013 to May 2014 at a tertiary care center in Pune. Materials and Methods: This study included the isolation of RGM from surgical site infections from May 2013 to May 2014 at a tertiary care center in Pune. The specimens were processed for microscopy (Ziehl–Neelsen stain) and culture (Lowenstein–Jensen media) using conventional methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of each of the isolates were determined by microbroth dilution, using Sensititre™ RAPMYCO manufactured by the firm TREK Diagnostic Systems from Thermo Scientific. Interpretations of results were done as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M24-A. Results: Of the RGM isolated, Mycobacterium abscessus was the predominant isolate followed by Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium chelonae. Of the 102 isolates, 64 (53.3%) were M. abscessus, 30 (25%) were M. fortuitum, 8 (6.67%) were M. chelonae, and 18 (15%) were other atypical Mycobacterium species. All 102 isolates of RGM were tested for antibiotic susceptibility testing by microbroth dilution. M. fortuitum and M. chelonae were sensitive to most of the antibiotics tested with few exceptions. All isolates (M. fortuitum and M. chelonae) were resistant to cefoxitin except few M. abscessus. Maximum resistance was seen with M. abscessus and they were sensitive to amikacin, tobramycin, tigecycline, and clarithromycin only. Out of 64 isolates, 32 (50%) were resistant to linezolid and imipenem. Conclusions: This study was carried out to highlight the importance of RGM and their susceptibility testing in all clinical microbiology laboratories.

Atypical Mycobacterium Detection in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Atypical mycobacterium (AM) involvement in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is sought by some surgeons with customary acid-fast bacilli cultures (AFBC) in the operating room (OR). We evaluate our experience with AM in CRS by describing (1) associated risk factors, (2) species identified, and (3) frequency of positive cultures in clinic versus OR. Case series with chart review. Tertiary rhinology practice. AFBC taken between 2005 and 2011 were identified from a microbiology laboratory database. Charts were reviewed for gender, age, medical history, risk factors for AM, pathogen types, and treatments, with statistical comparison using Pearson χ(2). The benefit of "targeted AFBC" for cases with high clinical suspicion was compared with "customary AFBC" in the OR. Thirty-seven patients were identified with AM, of which 10 had one or more risk factors for AM including foreign body (n = 4), non-HIV immune dysfunction (n = 4), and previous chemoradiation (n = 4). Six different AM species were identified: most frequently Mycobacterium abscessus (57.1%), followed by Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (14.3%) and Mycobacterium chelonae (14.3%). "Targeted AFBC" from the outpatient setting were positive in 10 of 190 (5.3%) patients, whereas 10 of 373 (2.6%) patients of "customary AFBC" in the OR were positive (P = .12). Macrolide therapy was employed in 23 of 37 (62%) patients with AM-associated CRS but was not prescribed in patients with positive "customary AFBC" alone. AM-associated CRS is an uncommon condition that can occur in the absence of foreign body or overtly altered innate/adaptive immunity. Indications and efficacy of macrolide therapy, as well as the potential relationships between existence of AM in tap water, AM biofilms, and frequent use of nasal irrigations warrant further investigation in refractory CRS.

Atypical Mycobacterium Detection in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Objective: Atypical mycobacterium (AM) involvement in refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is sought by some surgeons with customary acid-fast bacilli cultures (AFBC) in the operating room (OR). We evaluate our experience with AM in CRS by describing: 1) associated risk factors, 2) species identified, and 3) frequency of positive cultures in clinic vs OR. Method: AFBC taken between 2005 and 2010 were identified from microbiology laboratory databases. Charts were reviewed for gender, age, medical history, risk factors for AM, pathogen types, and treatments with statistical comparison using PearsonX2. Benefit of “targeted AFBC” for cases with high clinical suspicion was compared with “customary AFBC” in OR. Results: Thirty-one patients were identified with AM, of which 10 had one or more risk factors for AM, including foreign body (n = 4), non-HIV immune dysfunction (n = 4), and previous chemo-radiation (n = 4). Six different AM species were identified: most frequently M abscessus (50%), followed by M avium-intracellulare complex (20%) and M chelonae (17%). “Targeted AFBC” from outpatient setting were positive in 10 out of 190 (5.3%), whereas 10 out of 393 (2.5%) of “customary AFBC” in OR were positive ( P = .09). Macrolide therapy was employed in 16 out of 31 (52%) patients with AM-associated CRS but was not prescribed in patients with positive “customary AFBC” alone. Conclusion: AM-associated CRS is an uncommon condition that can occur in the absence of foreign body or overtly altered innate/adaptive immunity. Management with macrolide therapy, as well as the potential relationships between existence of AM in tap water, AM biofilms, and frequent nasal irrigations, warrant further investigation in refractory CRS.

Moxifloxacin in the treatment of skin and skin structure infections

Moxifloxacin is a recent addition to the fluoroquinolone class, differing from ciprofloxacin and other older agents in having much better in vitro activity against Gram-positive aerobes while retaining potent activity against Gram-negative aerobes. It is also active against the pathogens of human and animal bite wounds and those species of atypical mycobacteria associated with dermatologic infections. Its activity against anaerobes is quite variable. Moxifloxacin penetrates well into inflammatory blister fluid and muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Moxifloxacin should thus be a reasonable option for the treatment of skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs). In 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), oral moxifloxacin was as effective as cephalexin in the treatment of uncomplicated SSSIs in adults while in 2 RCTs, intravenous/oral moxifloxacin was as effective as intravenous/oral beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor therapy in the treatment of complicated SSSIs in adults. Moxifloxacin does not inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes and thus interact with warfarin or methylxanthines. However, multivalent cations can reduce its oral bioavailability substantially. Dosage adjustment is not required in the presence of renal or hepatic impairment. The clinical relevance of its electrophysiologic effects (QT(c) prolongation) remains unresolved.

The potential misidentification of Tsukamurella pulmonis as an atypical Mycobacterium species: a cautionary tale

The potential misidentification of Tsukamurella pulmonis as an atypical Mycobacterium species: a cautionary tale

Childhood atopy and allergic disease and skin test responses to environmental mycobacteria in rural Crete: a cross‐sectional survey

Through its powerful immunoregulatory effects, infection with atypical mycobacteria may exert a protective effect on the development of childhood allergic disease. To examine the relationship between childhood atopy or allergic disease and previous infection with four species of atypical mycobacteria. Eight hundred and six children aged 8-18 years and living in rural Crete--most of whom had had previous BCG immunization--underwent skin prick testing with 10 aeroallergens; their parents completed a standardized questionnaire relating to allergic disease. No less than 8 weeks later each child underwent intradermal skin tests with 0.1 mL solutions of four selected mycobacterial reagents (Aviumin C, Gordonin, Chelonin and Ranin I). Twenty-three percent of children were atopic on skin prick testing; far fewer had symptoms of asthma (5%) or hayfever in conjunction with a positive prick test to pollens (2%). Eighty percent of children had positive skin responses to one or more mycobacterial species. Among all children--and those with a BCG scar--there was no association between atopy or allergic symptoms and mycobacterial skin responses; among the few children without a BCG scar however those with positive mycobacterial responses were less likely to be atopic or to report allergic symptoms; these differences were not statistically significant. Our findings, in a population of BCG-immunized children, do not lend support to the suggestion that infection with atypical mycobacteria is protective against childhood allergic disease.

Impact of Selenium Status on the Pathogenesis of Mycobacterial Disease in HIV-1–Infected Drug Users During the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

The risk of mycobacterial disease is significantly increased in drug abusers as well as in immunocompromised HIV-1-infected individuals. The essential trace element selenium has an important function in maintaining immune processes and may, thus, have a critical role in clearance of mycobacteria. The impact of selenium status on the development of mycobacterial diseases in HIV-1-seropositive drug users was investigated over a 2-year period (1999-2001). Twelve cases of mycobacterial disease (tuberculosis, 9; infection due to atypical Mycobacterium species, 3) occurred; these 12 cases were compared with 32 controls with no history of respiratory infections who were matched on age, sex, and HIV status. Significant risk for development of mycobacterial disease was associated with a CD4 cell count of <200/mm3, malnutrition, and selenium levels of ≤135 μg/L (patients with these levels were 13 times more likely to develop mycobacterial disease). Multivariate analyses controlling for antiretroviral treatment and CD4 cell count revealed that both body mass index and selenium level remained significant factors in the relative risk for developing mycobacterial disease (relative risk, 3; p = .015); these findings suggest that selenium status may have a profound impact on the pathogenesis of mycobacterial disease.

Impact of selenium status on the pathogenesis of mycobacterial disease in HIV-1-infected drug users during the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

The risk of mycobacterial disease is significantly increased in drug abusers as well as in immunocompromised HIV-1-infected individuals. The essential trace element selenium has an important function in maintaining immune processes and may, thus, have a critical role in clearance of mycobacteria. The impact of selenium status on the development of mycobacterial diseases in HIV-1-seropositive drug users was investigated over a 2-year period (1999-2001). Twelve cases of mycobacterial disease (tuberculosis, 9; infection due to atypical Mycobacterium species, 3) occurred; these 12 cases were compared with 32 controls with no history of respiratory infections who were matched on age, sex, and HIV status. Significant risk for development of mycobacterial disease was associated with a CD4 cell count of <200/mm 3, malnutrition, and selenium levels of <or=135 microg/L (patients with these levels were 13 times more likely to develop mycobacterial disease). Multivariate analyses controlling for antiretroviral treatment and CD4 cell count revealed that both body mass index and selenium level remained significant factors in the relative risk for developing mycobacterial disease (relative risk, 3; p =.015); these findings suggest that selenium status may have a profound impact on the pathogenesis of mycobacterial disease.

Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae in a liver transplant patient

A 51-year-old woman with an orthotopic liver transplant on tacrolimus (SKF 506) and prednisone presented with an erythematous ulcerated nodule on the knee. No preceding trauma was noted. A skin biopsy specimen demonstrated beaded gram-positive, acid-fast rods and the skin culture grew Mycobacterium chelonae (formerly M chelonae subsp chelonae ). This report describes the first case in a liver transplant patient of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae under the current method of designating atypical Mycobacterium species. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:333-6.)

Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae in a liver transplant patient

A 51-year-old woman with an orthotopic liver transplant on tacrolimus (SKF 506) and prednisone presented with an erythematous ulcerated nodule on the knee. No preceding trauma was noted. A skin biopsy specimen demonstrated beaded gram-positive, acid-fast rods and the skin culture grew Mycobacterium chelonae (formerly M chelonae subsp chelonae ). This report describes the first case in a liver transplant patient of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae under the current method of designating atypical Mycobacterium species. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;43:333-6.)

Efficacy of Glucoprotamin®containing disinfectants against different species of atypical Mycobacteria

A Glucoprotamin®based disinfectant was tested against different strains of atypical mycobacteria in a suspension test. The disinfectant showed maximum detectable kill (>4 log reduction factor) against all strains tested at 2500 ppm Glucoprotamin within 15 min, exept for a glutaraldehyde resistant strain of Mycobacterium chelonae . For the latter, 2500 ppm for 60 min or 5000 ppm for 15 min, were necessary to achieve maximum kill. The glutaraldehyde resistant strain was also resistant to a mixture of different aldehydes.

Pyomyositis Caused by Atypical Mycobacterium Species: Case Report and Review

Pyomyositis Caused by Atypical Mycobacterium Species: Case Report and Review

Evaluation of microbicidal activity of a new disinfectant: Sterilox® 2500 against Clostridium difficile spores, Helicobacter pylori, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus species, Candida albicans and several Mycobacterium species

The microbicidal activity of a new disinfectant Sterilox®, a super-oxidized water, containing a mixture of oxidizing substances, was tested against Clostridium difficile spores, Helicobacter pylori, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus species, Candida albicans and several Mycobacterium species using membrane filters. All tests were performed in duplicate with and without added horse serum at 1% and 5% v/v. Distilled water, 0·35% peracetic acid (Nu-Cidex®) and 2% glutaraldehyde were included as controls. Sterilox: spore suspension (9:1 v/v) achieved log 10 kill of >5 with 5% horse serum in 2 min against H. pylori, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus species, C. albicans and four atypical Mycobacterium species: M. avium, M. chelonei, M. xenopi and M. smegmatis. Sporicidal activity of Sterilox against Clostridium difficile was markedly diminished in the presence of 5% horse serum. Sterilox may be am effective alternative in endoscopy units, as it is a potent microbicidal agent and the manufacturer claims it is not corrosive to metal and is non-toxic to biological tissues.

Spectrum of activity of levofloxacin against nontuberculous mycobacteria and its activity against the Mycobacterium avium complex in combination with ethambutol, rifampin, roxithromycin, amikacin, and clofazimine.

The spectrum of activity of levofloxacin was initially determined against 29 strains belonging to 16 species of atypical mycobacteria by measuring radiometric MICs. Levofloxacin MICs were 1 to 2 dilutions lower compared with those obtained for ofloxacin and 8 to 64 dilutions lower compared with those obtained for its D-isomer. Levofloxacin MICs were below its peak level in serum (5.5 micrograms/ml following administration of a single oral dose of 350 mg) for 25 of 29 isolates tested. It possessed MICs below its peak level in serum for M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. malmoense, M. xenopi, M. marinum, M. kansasii, M. chelonei, M. abcessus, M. fortuitum, and M. peregrinum. Regarding the M. avium complex, the MICs of levofloxacin for 11 clinical isolates (7 from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients and 4 from human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients) were 1 to 2 dilutions lower than those of ofloxacin. Among 20 isolates belonging to 12 pathogenic mycobacterial species, the MBC/MIC ratios varied from 1 to 4 for levofloxacin and 2 to 4 for ofloxacin. When drug combinations were screened by using the radiometric x/y quotient methodology against five M. avium complex isolates, levofloxacin activity against all five isolates was enhanced by ethambutol and activity against three isolates was enhanced by clofazimine. Screening of three-drug combinations showed that the combination levofloxacin-ethambutol with a third potential anti-M. avium drug (rifampin, roxithromycin, amikacin, or clofazimine) resulted in enhanced activity for all 20 drug combinations screened.

In vitro activity of roxithromycin against 16 species of atypical mycobacteria and effect of pH on its radiometric MICs

The antimycobacterial spectrum of roxithromycin, a semisynthetic 14-membered ring macrolide, was determined against 28 strains belonging to 16 species of atypical mycobacteria by measuring radiometric MICs by BACTEC methodology at two different pH values, i.e., 6.8 and 7.4. The MICs obtained at pH 7.4 were 1 to 2 dilutions lower or more than those obtained at pH 6.8 for some of the species. Roxithromycin possessed promising MICs against such potential pathogens as the Mycobacterium avium complex, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai, M. malmoense, M. xenopi, M. marinum, M. kansasii, and rare pathogens like M. chelonei subsp. chelonei and M. chelonei subsp. abscessus but not against M. simiae. Roxithromycin showed lower MICs against M. fortuitum var. peregrinum than M. fortuitum var. fortuitum.