Hawaiian Volcanic Ash, an Airborne Fomite for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Stephanie N. Dawrs,
Ravleen Virdi,
Grant J. Norton
et al.
Abstract:Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmentally acquired opportunistic pathogens that can cause chronic lung disease. Within the U.S., Hawai'i shows the highest prevalence rates of NTM lung infections. Here, we investigated a potential role for active volcanism at the Kīlauea Volcano located on Hawai'i Island in promoting NTM growth and diversity. We recovered NTM that are known to cause lung disease from plumbing biofilms and soils collected from the Kīlauea environment. We also discovered viable Mycoba… Show more
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