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Mycobacterium thermoresistibile is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium strongly associated with human infections. Since 1966, there have only been six reports of its isolation from clinical samples. We report on the first case from Europe and review all the previous cases. Identification was achieved with sequencing of the 16S rRNA and hsp65 genes. This study presents its phenotypic and biochemical profile, susceptibilities to selected antibiotics and hsp65 polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism profile with BsteII and Hae III .

Mycobacterium liflandii causes a fatal frog disease in captive anurans. Here we report, to our knowledge, the first epizootic of mycobacteriosis in a European colony of clawed frogs (Silurana tropicalis), previously imported from a United States biologic supply company. Our findings suggest the emerging potential of this infection through international trade.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are considered important opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients. In a large south-European HIV centre only 10 patients had non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection over a 5-y period. The importance of these infections in some areas, the usefulness of prophylaxis or routine use of mycobacterial blood cultures, may have to be re-considered.

The algorithm of the mycobacteriology laboratory of the 1990s relies heavily on growth-dependent procedures that are slow and labor intensive. The introduction of nucleic acid-based direct amplification tests portends future laboratories where molecular diagnostic assays will prevail. Financial constraints mandate an interdisciplinary approach to establish clinical pathways and rational tailoring of current protocols to curtail expensive overuse of dwindling resources.