TUBERCULOUS AND NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIA IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL INFECTION

Abstract

Within the genus Mycobacterium (M.) more than 170 different types of
mycobacteria have been identified. In relation to humans, they are divided into three
groups. M. tuberculosis complex, which includes ten species that cause tuberculosis
in mammals. The type of M. tuberculosis within M. tuberculosis complex remains
the major cause of tuberculosis in humans in the world. Except for a long time known
species (M. bovis, M. africanum, M. microti, M. canetti, M. caprae), new members
of the group have recently been discovered. M. pinnipedii in seals, M. munghi in
mongoose, M. orygis in arabian oryx and M. suricattae in the meerkat. The same
causes have been proven in people living nearby. M. leprae is the cause of the
leprosy in humans. The disease has been proven in nine banded armadillos (Dasypus
novemcinctus) and represents the natural reservoir of M. leprae. The largest number
of mycobacteria (more than 160 species) belongs to nontuberculous mycobacteria.
They are found in the environment, they are very resistant and adapted to growth
and development, and to humans and animals are often exposed to them. Some
are important potentially pathogenic species and they sometimes cause severe
pathological processes in humans and animals.