ntmscope_MAC
Molecular epidemiology of M. avium complex
Introduction: M. avium complex is the predominant slow-growing mycobacterium in Europe and North America and consists – among others – of the species M. avium, M. intracellulare and M. chimaera. The latter has been involved in a global outbreak of infections in patients that underwent cardiosurgical interventions. Here, contaminated heater-cooler machines could be identified as point infection source. All three species are present in the environment and have been isolated from water sources in patients homes. However, human-to-human transmission has not been established so far. In CF-patients, M. avium complex is the NTM second most frequently isolated in Europe. If there are dominant circulating clones, as has been described in M. abscessus, remains unclear until now.
Objectives: Investigation of the genomic epidemiology of M. avium complex in multiple centers in Europe.
Methods: Clinical and epidemiological data-analysis, whole genome sequencing, genotypic drug susceptibility testing.
Status: Data analysis completed