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Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections are increasingly recognized, particularly in tropical regions and are often found in immunocompetent individuals. These infections are emerging as significant health concerns, especially pulmonary NTM, which is reported more frequently and is known to be associated with hospital environments. While pulmonary NTM infections are on the rise, partly due to drug resistance and possible patient-to-patient transmission, there is no current evidence indicating an increase in cutaneous NTM infections. The clinical manifestations of NTM infections, except for well-known entities like Buruli ulcer and fish tank granuloma, are diverse and nonspecific, often mimicking other chronic infections. History of minor trauma at the site of infection can be misleading and may complicate the diagnosis of cutaneous NTM. Surgical-site and port-site NTM infections typically present with erythema, edema, and abscesses and are commonly caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria like M. fortuitum and M. chelonae. These infections may not respond to standard antibiotics, suggesting the need for NTM-specific treatment. Diagnostically, histopathology may not be conclusive, and standard staining techniques often lack sensitivity. Molecular methods offer better speciation and drug resistance profiling for pulmonary NTM but are expensive and not widely available for cutaneous forms. The high cost and limited availability of diagnostic tools necessitate an empirical treatment approach, which is also recommended by the INDEX-Tb guidelines for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Empirical treatment regimens for NTM, such as combinations of clarithromycin, doxycycline, and cotrimoxazole or fluoroquinolones, have shown promise, but there is a lack of rigorous studies to establish standardized treatments. Monitoring for adverse effects and continued evaluation of the causative organism is essential during empirical treatment, allowing for adjustment if the initial regimen fails.

Background VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and systemic inflammation, putting patients at risk for infections. This study comprehensively examines the prevalence of opportunistic infections in patients with VEXAS, evaluating their impact on clinical outcomes and potential preventive measures. Methods Patients with confirmed VEXAS were included. Survival analysis and logistic regression were used to identify associations between opportunistic infections and mortality. Infection rates (IRs) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and alphaherpesviruses were calculated over a prospective 8-month observation period in relationship to prophylaxis. Results Of 94 patients with VEXAS, 6% developed PJP; 15% had alphaherpesvirus reactivation, with varicella zoster virus (VZV) being the most common herpesvirus; and 10% contracted a nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. Risk of death was significantly increased per month following a diagnosis of PJP (hazard ratio [HR], 72.41 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 13.67–533.70]) or NTM (HR, 29.09 [95% CI, 9.51–88.79]). Increased odds for death were also observed in patients with a history of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation (odds ratio [OR], 12.10 [95% CI, 1.29–114.80]) but not in patients with VZV (OR, 0.89 [95% CI,.30–2.59]). Prophylaxis for PJP (IR, 0.001 vs 0 per person-day, P <.01) and VZV (IR, 0.006 vs 0 per person-day, P =.04) markedly decreased infection rates with a number needed to treat of 4 and 7, respectively. Conclusions Opportunistic infections are common in patients with VEXAS. Patients who develop PJP, HSV, or NTM are at increased risk for death. Prophylaxis against PJP and VZV is highly effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, bronchiectasis-related nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is on the rise. The diagnosis of NTM infection is difficult and treatment varies according to NTM species. This study intended to detect the prevalence of NTM in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods: A total of 100 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens were collected from patients with adult-onset bronchiectasis attending the chest medicine department, Mansoura University Hospitals (MUH), Egypt between December 2021 and November 2022. Clinical samples were processed to detect NTM isolates by phenotypic methods including microscopic examination, culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) slants, and various biochemical reactions. Positive NTM specimens were further confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Out of 100 patients included in this study, seven cases were positive for NTM in their BAL by conventional methods. Of those, two were confirmed as Mycobacterium kanssasi by multiplex PCR (29%; 2/7) and five (71.4%, 5/7) were unidentified NTM species. NTM infection was significantly associated with old age and immunocompromised status of the patients. Conclusion: Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is a common health problem in bronchiectasis and should be routinely examined particularly in old age and individuals with lower immune response.

We describe a 47-year-old healthy man who, after an injury to the third finger of the right hand, developed a reddened papule that did not disappear. Over a period of three months, edema developed on the finger and dorsum of the right hand, followed by several variegated nodules along the 3rd finger, dorsum of the right hand, and right forearm. There are no subjective complaints. The patient has an aquarium at home, and the complaints coincide with a period of growth of the fish in it. The diagnosis of Mycobacterium marinum infection is made on the basis of history, clinical picture, histology and molecular genetic testing for mycobacteria. Treatment with numerous antibacterial agents was carried out, and the long-term (9 months) therapy with clarithromycin, rifampicin and ethambutol, appointed after the diagnostic clarification, led to the cure of the infection. A brief review of the literature on the issue is made.

To date, more than 200 species of mycobacteria have been identified, in addition to the well-known Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Among microorganisms belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, there are obligate pathogenic, opportunistic and saprophytic strains. The incidence of non-tuberculous or atypical mycobacteria, which cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals, is steadily increasing. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as a source of healthcare-associated infections.Aim of the study was to analyze the literature on current methods of microbiological diagnosis of mycobacterial infections.Material and methods. A search and analysis of scientific literature in the Web of Science, PubMed, eLIBRARY.RU, Europe PMC databases was performed using the following key words: mycobacteriosis, non-tuberculous mycobacteria, mycobacterial infections, MALDITOF MS, atypical mycobacteria. Results and discussion. The review summarizes and presents the classification, morphological, cultural, genetic and ecological features of mycobacterial strains. Modern approaches in the diagnosis of mycobacterial diseases and identification of pathogens are analyzed; their advantages and disadvantages are indicated.Conclusions. Mycobacterial infections are often considered as diseases associated with the provision of medical care, requiring a detailed assessment of the situation with the definition of criteria for microbiological monitoring of objects of a medical organization, etc. The analyzed literature data demonstrate a variety of methods for laboratory diagnosis of mycobacterial infections with the need for further improvement of methodological approaches.

Background: Globally, bronchiectasis-related nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease is on the rise. The diagnosis of NTM infection is difficult and treatment varies according to NTM species. This study intended to detect the prevalence of NTM in patients with bronchiectasis. Methods: A total of 100 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens were collected from patients with adult-onset bronchiectasis attending the chest medicine department, Mansoura University Hospitals (MUH), Egypt between December 2021 and November 2022. Clinical samples were processed to detect NTM isolates by phenotypic methods including microscopic examination, culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) slants, and various biochemical reactions. Positive NTM specimens were further confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Out of 100 patients included in this study, seven cases were positive for NTM in their BAL by conventional methods. Of those, two were confirmed as Mycobacterium kanssasi by multiplex PCR (29%; 2/7) and five (71.4%, 5/7) were unidentified NTM species. NTM infection was significantly associated with old age and immunocompromised status of the patients. Conclusion: Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease is a common health problem in bronchiectasis and should be routinely examined particularly in old age and individuals with lower immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atypical mycobacteria or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of acid-fast bacteria that are pathogenic to different parts of the eye. The organisms can cause a spectrum of ocular infections including keratitis, scleritis, uveitis, endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis. Trauma, whether surgical or nonsurgical, has the highest correlation with development of this infection. Common surgeries after which these infections have been reported include laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and scleral buckle surgery. The organism is noted to form biofilms with sequestration of the microbe at different inaccessible locations leading to high virulence. Collection of infective ocular material (corneal scraping/necrotic scleral tissue/abscess material/vitreous aspirate, etc.) and laboratory identification of the organism through microbiologic testing are vital for confirming presence of the infection and initiating treatment. In cluster infections, tracing the source of infection in the hospital setting via testing of different in-house samples is equally important to prevent further occurrences. Although the incidence of these infections is low, their presence can cause prolonged disease that may often be resistant to medical therapy alone. In this review, we describe the various types of NTM-ocular infections, their clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, management, and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium chimaera is a nontuberculous mycobacterium that was identified as causative agent in a global outbreak of severe infections following open-chest cardiothoracic surgery. Heater-cooler units (HCUs), which were contaminated during the manufacturing process, were elucidated as the origin of this outbreak. Regular surveillance of water-containing HCUs used for cardiac surgery was recommended as one preventive measure. We present data on the occurrence of M. chimaera and other mycobacterial pathogens in different HCUs from one surgical center in Germany over a 42-month period. Water samples and swabs from seven different HCUs were taken between 2015 and 2018, and mycobacteria were detected in 50.6% (78/154) of water samples and 21.1% (4/19) of swabs. M. chimaera accounted for the majority of detected pathogens (77/83 isolates in water samples), but other species such as Mycobacterium gordonae were also found. Despite strict adherence to an intensified, regular disinfection procedure, the majority of HCUs remained positive for mycobacteria until the end of the study. In conclusion, additional measures are needed to reduce the risk of intraoperative transmission of M. chimaera , and our observations underscore the inherent infections risks associated with water-containing medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), are a major public health issue worldwide. An accurate diagnosis of mycobacterial species is a challenge for surveillance and treatment, particularly in high-burden settings usually associated with low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we analyzed the clinical performance of two commercial PCR kits designed for the identification and differentiation of MTBC and NTM, available in a high-burden setting such as Ecuador. A total of 109 mycobacteria isolates were included in the study, 59 of which were previously characterized as M. tuberculosis and the other 59 as NTM. Both kits displayed great clinical performance for the identification of M. tuberculosis, with 100% sensitivity. On the other hand, for NTM, one of the kits displayed a good clinical performance with a sensitivity of 94.9% (CI 95%: 89–100%), while the second kit had a reduced sensitivity of 77.1% (CI 95%: 65–89%). In conclusion, one of the kits is a fast and reliable tool for the identification and discrimination of MTBC and NTM from clinical isolates.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study is to identify existing literature on recurrent atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis to augment our understanding of a unique patient who presented to our tertiary‐care center 5‐years posttreatment with recurrence following curettage. Data Sources OVID Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. Methods A literature search was conducted yielding 49 original articles which were screened twice by two independent reviewers resulting in 14 studies meeting inclusion criteria for data extraction using Covidence software. Two independent reviewers extracted data on recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis and consensus was reached on data points from all included studies. Results This study illuminated the paucity of recurrence reporting in the literature regarding atypical mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Sixteen studies identified in our review included discussions on recurrence with few elaborating beyond the rate of recurrence to describe their management. Fourteen out of sixteen studies provided recurrence rates for their cohort, 11 out of 14 specified the initial treatment modality, and only five out of eight studies that described initial treatment with surgery differentiated recurrence rates between complete and incomplete excision. The mean length of follow‐up in the included studies was 20 months. There was one previously reported case of late recurrence at 5‐years. Conclusions We identified few reports that discussed the management of recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis. There was minimal data on recurrence rates between surgical treatment modalities. The case discussed in our study showcases that treatment with curettage has the potential to present with late recurrence.

We measured annual prevalence of microbiologically defined nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in Ontario, Canada. Mycobacterium avium prevalence was 13 cases/100,000 persons in 2020, a 2.5-fold increase from 2010, indicating a large increase in true M. avium lung disease. During the same period, M. xenopi decreased nearly 50%, to 0.84 cases/100,000 persons.

Introduction: Despite employing the conventional decontamination methods and protocols, atypical mycobacteria can thrive in situations that make them difficult to eliminate. As a result, outbreaks brought on by these germs may be the result of mistakes made during the sterilization process for laparoscopic instruments. The goal is to investigate an epidemic of postlaparoscopic wound infection caused by an unusual mycobacterium. Materials and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from Feb 2021 to May 2021 over a four-month period. A total of 14 patients were diagnosed with postlaparoscopic surgery site wound infections, which were then treated with the proper antibiotics after being diagnosed using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining and pus culture on Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium. Environmental samples were obtained for additional examination, and the isolation rates (%) of atypical mycobacteria from these samples were examined. Results: In all study subjects, atypical mycobacteria were the main culprits behind postlaparoscopic surgery site wound infections. Laparoscopic surgical tools, utilized disinfectant (gluteraldehyde disinfectant solution were among the causes of atypical mycobacterial contamination discovered during infection control inspections of the operating rooms (OTs). Conclusion: Atypical mycobacteria that do not grow on routine bacterial culture should be looked into further if the results of routine bacterial culture on samples taken from port locations were negative. Since prompt and effective therapy of patients with postlaparoscopic surgical site infections is crucial, high indexes of suspicion are advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting routine allergy tests of cattle with a simultaneous sample in TB-prone farms is necessary to confirm the stage of the epizootic process. The purpose of the research – to explore the pathomorphological changes in cows upon detection of para allergic reactions during diagnostic testing for tuberculosis. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in animals was performed comprehensively using all methods for tuberculosis control provided for in the guidelines – epidemiological, clinical, allergic, pathological, histomorphological, bacteriological and biological. It allowed establishing that the reactions to tuberculin in cows were of a paraallergic nature, caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria or so-called atypical mycobacteria. It was determined that cows that reacted positively to tuberculin and an atypical mycobacterial allergen and were sent for slaughter for diagnostic purposes did not demonstrate pathological changes characteristic of tuberculosis. However, pathological changes (granulomatous foci, atrophy of lymphoid and epithelioid tissue, hyperplasia of varying intensity and nature, dotted haemorrhages in the cortical zone) were observed in many lymph nodes, including mediastinal, mesenteric, pharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes, indicating an active infectious process in the body of animals caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. Therewith, several changes were observed in the lymph nodes during histomorphological examination: development of primary nodules of lymphocytes and reticular tissue in reactive centres, degradation and necrosis of lymphocytes, the establishment of cellular detritus in the centre of the nodules and capsules of epithelioid elements around the nodules, etc., which can be used to confirm the patterns of pathology development and, indirectly, the mechanism of sensitisation of the cow’s body, and therefore the nature of paraallergic reactions in animals. The obtained results are important for the timely detection and identification at the histomorphological level of a complex of changes in the organs and tissues of cows due to the penetration of nontuberculous mycobacteria, which is the key to the successful diagnosis of primary foci of mycobacteriosis and their effective prevention

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, presenting a unique challenge in clinical management. This review explored the complexities of NTM infections localized to the superficial tissues and provided valuable insights into the optimal therapeutic strategies. The antibiotic selection should base on NTM species and their susceptibility profiles. It is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the unique characteristics of superficial tissues to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, infection recurrence, and treatment failure. Infection control measures, patient education, and close monitoring should complement the treatment strategies to achieve favorable outcomes in managing NTM skin infections. Further efforts are warranted to elucidate factors and mechanisms contributing to treatment resistance and relapse. Future research should focus on exploring novel treatment options, innovative drug development/delivery platforms, and precise methodologies for determining therapeutic duration. Longitudinal studies are also needed to assess the long-term safety profiles of the integrated approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been reported to cause pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections. These NTMs are often misdiagnosed as MTB due to their similar clinical presentations to tuberculosis, leading to inappropriate treatment and increased morbidity and mortality rates. This literature review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of NTM infections in Africa. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using various electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was limited to studies published in the English language from 2000 to 2021. The following keywords were used: "non-tuberculous mycobacteria", "NTM", "Africa", and "prevalence". Studies that focused solely on the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex or those that did not report prevalence rates were excluded. Data extraction was performed on eligible studies. Overall, a total of 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. RESULTS: In our literature review, we identified a total of 32 studies that reported non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) in Africa. The majority of these studies were conducted in South Africa, followed by Ethiopia and Nigeria. The most commonly isolated NTM species were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), Mycobacterium fortuitum, and Mycobacterium abscessus. Many of the studies reported a high prevalence of NTM infections among HIV-positive individuals. Other risk factors for NTM infection included advanced age, chronic lung disease, and previous tuberculosis infection. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this literature review highlights the significant burden of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections in Africa. The prevalence of these infections is high, and they are often misdiagnosed due to their similarity to tuberculosis. The lack of awareness and diagnostic tools for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria infections in Africa is a major concern that needs to be addressed urgently. It is crucial to improve laboratory capacity and develop appropriate diagnostic algorithms for these infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periorbital non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, NTM infection as a complication following Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) surgery has not been reported before. We report a case of left upper lid M.Chelonae infection following MMCR surgery. A 61-year-old lady presented with left upper lid swelling and nodular mass 4 weeks after bilateral MMCR surgery for aponeurotic ptosis. Past medical and ocular history include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), chronic hepatitis B infection, bilateral cataract operation done 14 years ago and right eye Fuch's dystrophy with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty done 3 years ago. She was initially treated with topical and oral antibiotics, as well as repeated incision and curettage and intralesional steroid injection with limited improvement. Seven months post-MMCR, repeated biopsy and nodule debulking were performed. Biopsy revealed granulomatous inflammation with mycobacterial infection and PCR identified M.Chelonae. A total of 6 months course of combination systemic antibiotics were given, with good response. Limited blepharoplasty with repeat nodular excision was performed 15 months after the initial MMCR surgery, and biopsy culture and PCR were both negative. No relapse of symptoms was noted and good lid height was maintained at 30 months of follow-up. Management of periorbital NTM infections can be challenging. Clinicians should consider early diagnostic workup with mycobacterial culture and PCR in suspicious cases, followed by prompt initiation of empiric treatment with systemic macrolides. A combination of surgical excision of nodules and prolonged systemic antimicrobial treatment is needed for complete organism eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) caused by atypical mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAIC) have increased in recent years. Current therapeutic options are limited, and hence new and better therapies are urgently required. Colloidal Silver (CS) has been identified for its widespread antibacterial properties and silver-impregnated dressings have been used for SSTIs caused by various pathogens. The efficacy of Green Synthesized Colloidal Silver (GSCS) was investigated for bacterial growth inhibition (BGI) using a microdilution method and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) using resazurin assay and confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) of M. abscessus (n = 5) and MAIC (n = 5). The antibacterial effect of GSCS against M. abscessus infected macrophages was also evaluated. The in vitro cytotoxicity of GSCS on a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and neonatal foreskin fibroblasts was analyzed by the crystal violet proliferation assay. Average BGI and MBEC of GSCS varied between 0.7 and 22 ppm for M. abscessus and MAIC. The concentration of 3 ppm reduced M. abscessus-infection in macrophages significantly. GSCS was not cytotoxic to HaCaT and neonatal foreskin fibroblast cells at concentrations < 3 ppm up to 2 h exposure time. GSCS therefore, has the potential for topical application against atypical mycobacterial SSTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immune deficiency is the main risk factor for the atypical mycobacteriosis infection and its progression. Erythematous, infiltrative skin lesions with nonspecific symptoms impede the diagnosis of atypical mycobacterium cutaneous infection, which is commonly mediated by Mycobacterium marinum. Objective: We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with infiltrative ulcerative skin lesions on her left upper extremity. Case report: The diagnosis of mycobacteriosis included histological tissue findings as well as a microbiological verification. Immune deficiency was excluded. Mycobacterium chelonae was detected in the infected tissue with the polymerase chain reaction method. Targeted antibiotic therapy was implemented, initially with clarithromycin, followed by intravenous linezolid, leading finally to complete cure. Conclusions: The diagnosis of atypical mycobacteriosis is based on the complex and time-consuming microbiological examination including molecular diagnostics and culture. It is essential to administer targeted antibiotic therapy based on the antibiogram, due to possible broad antibiotic resistance of non-tuberculous mycobacterioses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cutaneous non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections have rapidly increased in incidence in recent years. Currently there is no standard treatment and the variable and nonspecific ways in which cutaneous NTM infection presents makes it a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge. We describe a 67-year-old immunocompetent woman with cutaneous NTM infection after she recently underwent a root canal procedure. Although the species was not identified and she was unable to tolerate multiple antibiotics, she ultimately responded well to three months of treatment with linezolid. Given that cutaneous NTM infection can present in immunocompetent patients and that the incidence is rising, it is important for clinicians to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion, especially in patients with a recent history of surgery, trauma, or cosmetic procedures. Linezolid has coverage against non-tuberculous mycobacteria and is an effective therapeutic option for cutaneous NTM cases in which identification to the species level is not possible or when adverse effects limit therapeutic options.

Conducting routine allergy tests of cattle with a simultaneous sample in TB-prone farms is necessary to confirm the stage of the epizootic process. The purpose of the research -- to explore the pathomorphological changes in cows upon detection of para allergic reactions during diagnostic testing for tuberculosis. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in animals was performed comprehensively using all methods for tuberculosis control provided for in the guidelines -- epidemiological, clinical, allergic, pathological, histomorphological, bacteriological and biological. It allowed establishing that the reactions to tuberculin in cows were of a paraallergic nature, caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria or so-called atypical mycobacteria. It was determined that cows that reacted positively to tuberculin and an atypical mycobacterial allergen and were sent for slaughter for diagnostic purposes did not demonstrate pathological changes characteristic of tuberculosis. However, pathological changes (granulomatous foci, atrophy of lymphoid and epithelioid tissue, hyperplasia of varying intensity and nature, dotted haemorrhages in the cortical zone) were observed in many lymph nodes, including mediastinal, mesenteric, pharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes, indicating an active infectious process in the body of animals caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. Therewith, several changes were observed in the lymph nodes during histomorphological examination: development of primary nodules of lymphocytes and reticular tissue in reactive centres, degradation and necrosis of lymphocytes, the establishment of cellular detritus in the centre of the nodules and capsules of epithelioid elements around the nodules, etc., which can be used to confirm the patterns of pathology development and, indirectly, the mechanism of sensitisation of the cow's body, and therefore the nature of paraallergic reactions in animals. The obtained results are important for the timely detection and identification at the histomorphological level of a complex of changes in the organs and tissues of cows due to the penetration of nontuberculous mycobacteria, which is the key to the successful diagnosis of primary foci of mycobacteriosis and their effective prevention [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical condition in the paediatric population. In 50% of cases it occurs in otherwise healthy children, and in 75% it presents as a localized form. Lymphadenopathy lasting more than 3 months is defined as chronic. Common conditions causing lymph node enlargement include infections, malignancies, and autoimmune disorders. Mycobacteria causing infectious lymphadenopathy are divided into tuberculous and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Diagnosing mycobacterial disease is complicated, and definitive surgery is the best treatment option for NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis. We present a case of a 2-year-old girl with chronic cervical lymphadenopathy, eventually diagnosed as NTM infection. The diagnostic and therapeutic process was complicated, demanding an interdisciplinary approach and several surgical procedures. The treatment was supported by negative pressure therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 30 years, the number of invasive turtle species living in the wild has significantly increased in Poland. This proliferation carries many threats, which mainly include the displacement of native species of animals from their natural habitats. Turtles can also be reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria from the Mycobacterium genus. In order to confirm or rule out the presence of acid-fast mycobacteria in the population of invasive turtle species, samples from carapace, plastron, internal organs and mouth cavity swabs from 125 animals were tested. Twenty-eight mycobacterial strains were isolated in culture, which were classified as atypical following multiplex-PCR reactions. The GenoType Mycobacterium Common Mycobacteria (CM) test, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PRA)-hsp65 and DNA sequencing were used to identify the species of isolates. Of the 28 strains, 11 were identified as M. fortuitum, 10 as M. chelonae, 3 as M. avium ssp. avium, 2 as M. nonchromogenicum and 1 each of M. neoaurum and M. scrofulaceum. The results of the research will also strengthen the understanding that these animals can be vectors for pathogens when living in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of statistical data and inconsistences in science and practice make it impossible to give at least approximate tuberculosis prevalence rates in the Republic of Dagestan. Every year the number of tuberculin reacting animals is increasing. For example out of 2,944 tested heifers of breeding age in 2014–2019, up to 30% of animals had positive reactions in tests. During this period out of 1,166 emergency slaughtered animals, tuberculosis was confirmed in 326 animals (28%). Bacteriological tests revealed 291 mycobacterium cultures, 107 out of them were Mycobacterium bovis, the other 184 cultures were identified as atypical ones. Based on the species differentiation of 58 cultures, 22 Group II cultures (according to Runyon classification) were isolated; 18 out of them belonged to Mycobacterium gordonae, 2 to Mycobacterium flavescens, and species of two cultures could not be identified. Four cultures of Group III were species of Mycobacterium intracellulare. Out of 32 cultures of Group IV, two belonged to Mycobacterium smegmatis, seven to Mycobacterium fortuitum and one to Mycobacterium phlei, 22 cultures were not identified. To elucidate the role of milk in tuberculosis epidemiology 82 samples of milk from reactors from two farms were tested. In the farm, where reactors were awaiting their removal for a long time, mycobacteria were detected in 20% of milk samples, whereas in the recently infected farm the detection rate was 4%, which suggests that long awaiting periods present high risks. Microscopic, conventional phenotypic and targeted biochemical tests indicate that pseudo-allergic reactions, revealed by tests, result from the atypical mycobacteria of the mentioned groups and species, which present in the animal organism, and seem to be responsible for the tuberculin sensibilization. Timely and comprehensive diagnostic and animal health measures will improve the situation.

Copyright of Medicina (Buenos Aires) is the property of Medicina (Buenos Aires) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the last 30 years, the number of invasive turtle species living in the wild has significantly increased in Poland. This proliferation carries many threats, which mainly include the displacement of native species of animals from their natural habitats. Turtles can also be reservoirs for pathogens, including bacteria from the Mycobacterium genus. In order to confirm or rule out the presence of acid-fast mycobacteria in the population of invasive turtle species, samples from carapace, plastron, internal organs and mouth cavity swabs from 125 animals were tested. Twenty-eight mycobacterial strains were isolated in culture, which were classified as atypical following multiplex-PCR reactions. The GenoType Mycobacterium Common Mycobacteria (CM) test, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PRA)-hsp65 and DNA sequencing were used to identify the species of isolates. Of the 28 strains, 11 were identified as M. fortuitum, 10 as M. chelonae, 3 as M. avium ssp. avium, 2 as M. nonchromogenicum and 1 each of M. neoaurum and M. scrofulaceum. The results of the research will also strengthen the understanding that these animals can be vectors for pathogens when living in the wild.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]