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Mycobacteria
- Question
- Hello,
14 days ago I was diagnosed with a mycobacterium. TBC was excluded. What other bacteria come into question?
And, what is very important for me: What does that mean for me in the worst case?
I am thankful for each helpful and honest answer.
Many thanks in advance and best regards,
PH
- Answer
- Dear questioner,
Unfortunately it is not possible to answer this question in a short way. The mycobacteria you describe are so called "atypical" mycobacteria which act in a completely different manner than those pathogens that provoke tuberculosis.
These pathogens are also called "fast-growing" mycobacteria since they are growing within a couple of days on a culture medium which can take a couple of weeks for TBC bacteria.
These pathogens can be found everywhere in the environment, e.g. in the ground, but also in water. Therefore, a single evidence can be caused by a contamination as well. If the pathogen was detected for the first time, another test for detecting the pathogen should be made during the next follow-up examination. A mycobacteria test (TB or atypical as well) has to be ordered separately at the microbiological laboratory [the original answer was given in German and refers, thus, to German regulations]. Within the group of atypical mycobacteria there are several pathogens that have been detected in CF patients so far; e.g. Mycobacterium abscessus or Mycobacterium avium. Some studies did not show an impaired lung function while the pathogen was detected repeatedly. In other studies, however, the detection of the pathogen seemed to play a role in relation to the impairment of lung function. Should there be any suspicion that the pathogens have adverse effects on the lung function, an antibiotics treatment (with antibiotics that are effective against these bacteria) has to be started. Depending on the individual situation an antibiotics therapy has to be done for several months, for some pathogens also up to one year.
Best regards,
Barbara Kahl - 07.05.2012
- Please find further information in a fomer question under the following linK.
ecorn-cf.eu/index.php?id=65&L=0&tx_expertadvice_pi1[showitem]=116&tx_expertadvice_pi1[search]=mycobacteria
D. d'Alquen
