Quick Review Cards for Medical Laboratory Science

Medically Important Mycobacteriacontinued Clinical Microbiology Review 213

ORGANISM PATHOGENICITY KEY POINTS

M. kansasii

M. marinum

M. scrofulaceum

M. gordonae

M. abscessus

M. chelonae

Photochromogen. Can ID by 16sRNA probe.

Contracted from swimming pools, aquariums. Grows

best at 30°C. Photochromogen.

Scotochromogen.

“Tap-water bacillus.” Laboratory contaminant.

Scotochromogen. Can ID by PCR & nucleic acid probes.

Tap water is reservoir. Rapid grower.

Rapid grower.

2nd most common NTM to cause lung disease.

Causes skin & soft tissue infections, lymphadenitis.

Can disseminate in immunocompromised

Skin infections

Common cause of cervical lymphadenitis in

children in Africa

Rarely causes infection

In water, soil, dust. Contaminant of medical

devices. Skin & soft tissue infections. Lung

infections in those with chronic lung disease,

e.g., cystic fibrosis. Disseminated infection in

immunocompromised

Disseminated cutaneous infections in immuno-

compromised, infections of lungs, bone, central

nervous system, prosthetic heart valves

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