Isolation and characterization of non tuberculous mycobacteria from humans and animals in Namwala District of Zambia

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.

Nontuberculosis mycobacteria are the major causes of tuberculosis like lesions in cattle slaughtered at Bahir Dar Abattoir, northwestern Ethiopia

“…The NTM species such as M. fortuitum and M. gordonae are so ubiquitous that they have previously been recovered from cattle in Ethiopia [7, 29], and human, animals and the environment elsewhere in Africa [28, 30–32]. Mycobacterium peregrinum, which is a rapidly growing, ubiquitous and an opportunistic but potentially pathogenic NTM [33] was isolated more frequently in this study.…”

Novel Mycobacterium avium Complex Species Isolated From Black Wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou ) in South Africa

“…Organisms act in synergy, potentiating the colonization by other bacteria. Although mixed infection with NTM has been reported, attention should be given to NTM in the future as several studies have recognized the significance of NTM as a major public health issue around the world (Moore et al., ; Kankya et al., ; Kim et al., ; Malama et al., ; Temmerman et al., ). Furthermore, NTM has been found to interfere with the diagnosis of TB in cattle; indeed, some cross reactions between the antigens of NTM with those used for diagnostic purposes such as M. avium and M. fortuitum may compromise the diagnosis and control of bovine tuberculosis (De la Rua‐Domenech et al., ; Gcebe et al., ).…”

“…The genus Mycobacterium contains more than 170 species (http://www.bacterio.net/mycobacterium.html), most of which are classified as NTM or potentially pathogenic mycobacteria (PPM; Chege et al., ; Kim et al., ; Malama et al., ; Tortoli, ) and mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). MTC comprises M. tuberculosis , M. bovis , M. africanum , M. canetti , M. pinnipedii , M. caprae , M. microti , M. mungi , Dassie bacillus , Oryx bacillus and the attenuated M. bovis bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine strain.…”

Bacteriological and virulence study of a Mycobacterium chimaera isolate from a patient in China

“…The novel NTM species Mycobacterium chimaera was isolated and characterized in Italy in 2004 (Tortoli et al 2004), and additional cases of infection with this species were reported in Germany in 2008 and in the United States in (Bills et al 2009Schweickert et al 2008). More recently this species was isolated and identified in Namwala District of Zambia in 2014 (Malama et al 2014). Moreover, Boyle et al reported that M. chimaera was isolated more often than M. intracellulare in Chicago, United States (Boyle et al 2015).…”