Species-specific Mycobacterium genavense DNA in intestinal tissues of individuals not infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Mycobacterium genavense species-specific DNA was detected in intestinal tissues from two of nine individuals not infected with human immunodeficiency virus. This newly described microorganism is well documented as a causative agent of disseminated infections in AIDS patients. Our results suggest that it may colonize the guts of individuals not infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Mycobacterium genavense duodenitis following allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

“…M. genavense is a slowly growing NTM, which is ubiquitous in the environment and propagates in soil, dust, and water. It has also been shown to colonize the normal human gastrointestinal tract (5). It is likely that the gastrointestinal GVHD in our patient led to a breakdown in mucosal barrier immunity, facilitating local mycobacterial invasion.…”

Mycobacterium genavense infection in a patient with long‐standing chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

“…With few exceptions, it has been found to cause disseminated disease in severely immunocompromised HIV-infected individuals. Case reports from several continents [3,7,8] and the isolation of the organism from pet animals [9,10], as well as from the gastrointestinal tract of healthy humans [11], indicate that M. genavense is a ubiquitous environmental pathogen.…”

Mycobacterium genavense infection in a solid organ recipient: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

“…M. genavense is a fastidious NTM, which can be isolated from tap water, domestic animals, and the gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals (18)(19)(20). It causes disseminated disease in severely immunocompromised individuals.…”

“…This opportunistic pathogen was also later found in patients with non-HIV-related immunodeficient states, such as solid organ transplantation recipients, patients with impaired cellular immunity, patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy for other reasons (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). M. genavense can be isolated from tap water, domestic animals, and the gastrointestinal tract of healthy individuals (18)(19)(20). Symptoms are similar to those observed in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection and include fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, lymphadenitis, hepatosplenomegaly, and progressive anemia.…”