Environmental science & technology
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Environ. Sci. Technol. · May 2015
Increased Frequency of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Detection at Potable Water Taps within the United States.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are environmental microorganisms that can cause infections in humans, primarily in the lung and soft tissue. The prevalence of NTM-associated diseases is increasing in the United States. Exposure to NTMs occurs primarily through human interactions with water (especially aerosolized). ⋯ The NTM species detected most frequently were: Mycobacterium mucogenicum (52%), Mycobacterium avium (30%), and Mycobacterium gordonae (25%). Of the taps that were repeatedly positive for NTMs, the species M. avium, M. mucogenicum, and Mycobacterium abscessus were found to persist most frequently. This study also observed statistically significant higher levels of NTM in chloraminated water than in chlorinated water.