Abstract
There has been a growing concern in recent years about the association of non tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) with HIV infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nevertheless NTM represent a common cause of disease also in immunocompetent subjects. Identification of NTM has traditionally relied upon biochemical tests. More recently HPLC analysis of mycolic acids and molecular methods, in particular 16s rRNA sequencing, have been developed to improve conventional identification procedures. By using these new techniques it has been possible to explore more in depth the genus Mycobacterium, discovering a considerable number of yet undescribed species. This article summarizes present knowledge about some of these lesser known mycobacteria such as Myc. genavense, Myc. celatum, Myc. interjectum, Myc. malmoense and reports Italian isolates focusing on clinical aspects and microbiological features.
Translated title of the contribution | Lesser known mycobacteria |
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Original language | Italian |
Pages (from-to) | 175-180 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Microbiologia Medica |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 1995 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology (medical)