Microorganisms (Oct 2021)

Ecology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

  • Joseph O. Falkinham

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9112262
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 11
p. 2262

Abstract

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Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic human pathogens that are widespread in the human environment. In fact, NTM surround humans. The basis for their widespread presence in soils and natural and human-engineered waters lies primarily in their disinfectant resistance, biofilm formation, and adaptability to fluctuating environmental conditions. As NTM in drinking water surround humans, a major route of infection is through aerosols. The characteristics of NTM, including resistance to disinfection, adherence to surfaces and biofilm formation, present challenges to contemporary water treatment processes developed for control of Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms.

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