1
|
Gross JE, Finklea JD, Caceres SM, Poch KR, Hasan NA, Jia F, Epperson LE, Lipner EM, Vang CK, Honda JR, Strand MJ, Nogueira de Moura VC, Daley CL, Strong M, Nick JA. Genomic epidemiology of Mycobacterium abscessus at an adult cystic fibrosis programme reveals low potential for healthcare-associated transmission. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00165-2024. [PMID: 38978544 PMCID: PMC11228611 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00165-2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been reported to be transmitted between people with cystic fibrosis (CF) attending CF centres. A suspected Mycobacterium abscessus outbreak was investigated at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Adult CF Program using a combination of pathogen genomic sequencing and epidemiologic methods. The objectives of the present study were to apply the Healthcare-Associated Links in Transmission of NTM (HALT NTM) study to investigate the occurrence of potential healthcare-associated transmission and/or acquisition of NTM among people with CF infected with genetically similar NTM isolates. Methods Whole-genome sequencing of respiratory M. abscessus isolates from 50 people with CF receiving care at UTSW was performed to identify genetically similar isolates. Epidemiologic investigation, comparison of respiratory and environmental isolates, and home residence watershed mapping were studied. Measurements and main results Whole-genome sequencing analysis demonstrated seven clusters of genetically similar M. abscessus (four ssp. abscessus and three ssp. massiliense). Epidemiologic investigation revealed potential opportunities for healthcare-associated transmission within three of these clusters. Healthcare environmental sampling did not recover M. abscessus, but did recover four human disease-causing species of NTM. No subjects having clustered infections lived in the same home residence watershed. Some subjects were infected with more than one M. abscessus genotype, both within and outside of the dominant circulating clones. Conclusions Healthcare-associated person-to-person transmission of M. abscessus appears to be rare at this centre. However, polyclonal infections of M. abscessus species and subspecies, not originating from the endemic hospital environment, suggest multiple shared modes of acquisition outside the healthcare setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Gross
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - James D Finklea
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Katie R Poch
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Nabeeh A Hasan
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Fan Jia
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - L Elaine Epperson
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Ettie M Lipner
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charmie K Vang
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer R Honda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Matthew J Strand
- Division of Biostatistics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Charles L Daley
- Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michael Strong
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jerry A Nick
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang Y, Sun R, Yu C, Li J, Lin H, Huang J, Wang Y, Shen X, Jiang Y, Yang C, Xu B. Spatial Heterogeneity of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in Shanghai: Insights from a Ten-Year Population-Based Study. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 143:107001. [PMID: 38461931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the spatial heterogeneity of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in Shanghai. METHODS A population-based retrospective study was conducted using presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis surveillance data of Shanghai between 2010 and 2019. The study described the spatial distribution of NTM-PD notification rates, employing hierarchical Bayesian mapping for high-risk areas and the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify hot spots and explore associated factors. RESULTS Of 1652 NTM-PD cases, the most common species was Mycobacterium kansasii complex (MKC) (41.9%), followed by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (27.1%) and Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) (16.2%). MKC-PD patients were generally younger males with a higher incidence of pulmonary cavities, while MAC-PD patients were more often farmers or had a history of tuberculosis treatment. MKC-PD hot spots were primarily located in the areas alongside the Huangpu River, while MAC-PD hot spots were mainly in the western agricultural areas. Patients with MKC-PD and MAC-PD exhibited a higher risk of spatial clustering compared to those with MABC-PD. CONCLUSIONS Different types of NTM-PD exhibit distinct patterns of spatial clustering and are associated with various factors. These findings underscore the importance of environmental and host factors in the epidemic of NTM-PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyi Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China; Division of TB and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, P. R. China; Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ruoyao Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Chenlei Yu
- Division of TB and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, P. R. China; Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Division of TB and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, P. R. China; Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Honghua Lin
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jinrong Huang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China; Nanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Nanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xin Shen
- Division of TB and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, P. R. China; Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Division of TB and HIV/AIDS Prevention, Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, P. R. China; Shanghai Institutes of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chongguang Yang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China; Nanshan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Biao Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Haque S, Mengersen K, Barr I, Wang L, Yang W, Vardoulakis S, Bambrick H, Hu W. Towards development of functional climate-driven early warning systems for climate-sensitive infectious diseases: Statistical models and recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118568. [PMID: 38417659 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Climate, weather and environmental change have significantly influenced patterns of infectious disease transmission, necessitating the development of early warning systems to anticipate potential impacts and respond in a timely and effective way. Statistical modelling plays a pivotal role in understanding the intricate relationships between climatic factors and infectious disease transmission. For example, time series regression modelling and spatial cluster analysis have been employed to identify risk factors and predict spatial and temporal patterns of infectious diseases. Recently advanced spatio-temporal models and machine learning offer an increasingly robust framework for modelling uncertainty, which is essential in climate-driven disease surveillance due to the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the data. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, including deep learning and neural networks, excel in capturing intricate patterns and hidden relationships within climate and environmental data sets. Web-based data has emerged as a powerful complement to other datasets encompassing climate variables and disease occurrences. However, given the complexity and non-linearity of climate-disease interactions, advanced techniques are required to integrate and analyse these diverse data to obtain more accurate predictions of impending outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics. This article presents an overview of an approach to creating climate-driven early warning systems with a focus on statistical model suitability and selection, along with recommendations for utilizing spatio-temporal and machine learning techniques. By addressing the limitations and embracing the recommendations for future research, we could enhance preparedness and response strategies, ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of public health in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shovanur Haque
- Ecosystem Change and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kerrie Mengersen
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Data Science (CDS), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ian Barr
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, VIDRL, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liping Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious disease, Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, China
| | - Weizhong Yang
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Sotiris Vardoulakis
- HEAL Global Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, ACT Canberra, 2601, Australia
| | - Hilary Bambrick
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, ACT 2601 Canberra, Australia
| | - Wenbiao Hu
- Ecosystem Change and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marshall JE, Mercaldo RA, Lipner EM, Prevots DR. Nontuberculous mycobacteria testing and culture positivity in the United States. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:288. [PMID: 38448840 PMCID: PMC10916245 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental bacteria which may cause chronic lung disease. The prevalence of NTM pulmonary infection and disease has been increasing in the United States and globally. The predominant clinically relevant species of NTM in the United States are Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) species and Mycobacterium abscessus. With the development of rapid species identification methods for NTM (e.g. PCR probes), more testing for NTM is being conducted through commercial labs, such as Laboratory Corporation of America (Labcorp), which provides deidentified real-time testing data to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) pursuant to a data sharing agreement. Because NTM lung infections are not reportable in most states, other data sources are key to understanding NTM testing patterns, positivity rates, and species distributions to track infection trends and identify clinical care needs. METHODS We obtained national Labcorp data for the period January 2019 through mid-April 2022. We subset the data to only respiratory samples sent for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) cultures. NTM positive results were defined as those which identified an NTM species and are not Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, or Mycobacterium gordonae. RESULTS Overall, 112,528 respiratory samples were sent for AFB testing during the study period; 26.3% were from the Southeast U.S., identified as HSS Region IV in the Labcorp dataset, and 23.0% were from the Pacific and South Pacific region (Region IX). The culture positive prevalence ranged from 20.2% in the Southeast to 9.2% in the East North Central region (Region V). In the Southeast US, M. abscessus prevalence was 4.0%. For MAC, the highest prevalence was observed in the Mountain region (Region VII) (13.5%) and the lowest proportion was in the East South Central region (7.3%, Region III). Among positive tests, the proportion which was MAC varied from 61.8% to 88.9% and was highest in the Northeast U.S. The proportion of positive samples which were M. abscessus ranged from 3.8% to 19.7% and was highest in the Southeast. CONCLUSIONS The Southeastern region of the U.S. has the highest rate of culture positivity in Labcorp tests for total NTM and, of all positive tests, the highest proportion of M. abscessus. These estimates may underrepresent the true number of M. abscessus infections because M. absesscus-specific probes are not commercially available and not all NTM testing in the United States is done by Labcorp. Analysis of real-time testing data from commercial laboratories may provide insights into risk factors for NTM culture positivity in 'hotspot' areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Marshall
- Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Ln, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Rachel A Mercaldo
- Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Ln, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Ettie M Lipner
- Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Ln, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA
| | - D Rebecca Prevots
- Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Ln, Bethesda, MD, 20852, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Glauser KG, Kelley RE, Leonard WJ, Hendrix J, Petri S, Tong EI, Chan YL, Lipner EM, Dawrs SN, Honda JR. Common Features of Environmental Mycobacterium chelonae from Colorado Using Partial and Whole Genomic Sequence Analyses. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:69. [PMID: 38238596 PMCID: PMC10796651 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmentally acquired opportunistic pathogens that cause chronic lung disease in susceptible individuals. While presumed to be ubiquitous in built and natural environments, NTM environmental studies are limited. While environmental sampling campaigns have been performed in geographic areas of high NTM disease burden, NTM species diversity is less defined among areas of lower disease burden like Colorado. In Colorado, metals such as molybdenum have been correlated with increased risk for NTM infection, yet environmental NTM species diversity has not yet been widely studied. Based on prior regression modeling, three areas of predicted high, moderate, and low NTM risk were identified for environmental sampling in Colorado. Ice, plumbing biofilms, and sink tap water samples were collected from publicly accessible freshwater sources. All samples were microbiologically cultured and NTM were identified using partial rpoB gene sequencing. From these samples, areas of moderate risk were more likely to be NTM positive. NTM recovery from ice was more common than recovery from plumbing biofilms or tap water. Overall, nine different NTM species were identified, including clinically important Mycobacterium chelonae. MinION technology was used to whole genome sequence and compare mutational differences between six M. chelonae genomes, representing three environmental isolates from this study and three other M. chelonae isolates from other sources. Drug resistance genes and prophages were common findings among environmentally derived M. chelonae, promoting the need for expanded environmental sampling campaigns to improve our current understanding of NTM species abundance while opening new avenues for improved targeted drug therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayden G Glauser
- Department of Science, Principles of Experimental Design in Biotechnology, Rock Canyon High School, Littleton, CO, 80124, USA
| | - Reagan E Kelley
- Department of Science, Principles of Experimental Design in Biotechnology, Rock Canyon High School, Littleton, CO, 80124, USA
| | - William J Leonard
- Department of Science, Principles of Experimental Design in Biotechnology, Rock Canyon High School, Littleton, CO, 80124, USA
| | - Jo Hendrix
- Computational Bioscience Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Suzanne Petri
- Department of Science, Principles of Experimental Design in Biotechnology, Rock Canyon High School, Littleton, CO, 80124, USA
| | - Eric I Tong
- Aina Informatics Network, 'Iolani School, Honolulu, HI, 96826, USA
| | - Yvonne L Chan
- Aina Informatics Network, 'Iolani School, Honolulu, HI, 96826, USA
| | - Ettie M Lipner
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Stephanie N Dawrs
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, 80206, USA
| | - Jennifer R Honda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center, Tyler, TX, 75708, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mollalo A, Hamidi B, Lenert L, Alekseyenko AV. Application of Spatial Analysis for Electronic Health Records: Characterizing Patient Phenotypes and Emerging Trends. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3443865. [PMID: 37886509 PMCID: PMC10602163 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3443865/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Electronic health records (EHR) commonly contain patient addresses that provide valuable data for geocoding and spatial analysis, enabling more comprehensive descriptions of individual patients for clinical purposes. Despite the widespread use of EHR in clinical decision support and interventions, no systematic review has examined the extent to which spatial analysis is used to characterize patient phenotypes. Objective This study reviews advanced spatial analyses that employed individual-level health data from EHR within the US to characterize patient phenotypes. Methods We systematically evaluated English-language peer-reviewed articles from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from inception to August 20, 2023, without imposing constraints on time, study design, or specific health domains. Results Only 49 articles met the eligibility criteria. These articles utilized diverse spatial methods, with a predominant focus on clustering techniques, while spatiotemporal analysis (frequentist and Bayesian) and modeling were relatively underexplored. A noteworthy surge (n = 42, 85.7%) in publications was observed post-2017. The publications investigated a variety of adult and pediatric clinical areas, including infectious disease, endocrinology, and cardiology, using phenotypes defined over a range of data domains, such as demographics, diagnoses, and visits. The primary health outcomes investigated were asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. Notably, patient phenotypes involving genomics, imaging, and notes were rarely utilized. Conclusions This review underscores the growing interest in spatial analysis of EHR-derived data and highlights knowledge gaps in clinical health, phenotype domains, and spatial methodologies. Additionally, this review proposes guidelines for harnessing the potential of spatial analysis to enhance the context of individual patients for future clinical decision support.
Collapse
|
7
|
Mejia-Chew C, Chavez MA, Lian M, McKee A, Garrett L, Bailey TC, Spec A, Agarwal M, Turabelidze G. Spatial Epidemiologic Analysis and Risk Factors for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections, Missouri, USA, 2008-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1540-1546. [PMID: 37486160 PMCID: PMC10370856 DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.230378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are caused by environmental exposure. We describe spatial distribution of NTM infections and associations with sociodemographic factors and flooding in Missouri, USA. Our retrospective analysis of mycobacterial cultures reported to the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services surveillance system during January 1, 2008-December 31, 2019, detected geographic clusters of infection. Multilevel Poisson regression quantified small-area geographic variations and identified characteristics associated with risk for infection. Median county-level NTM infection rate was 66.33 (interquartile range 51-91)/100,000 persons. Risk of clustering was significantly higher in rural areas (rate ratio 2.82, 95% CI 1.90-4.19) and in counties with >5 floodings per year versus no flooding (rate ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.26-1.52). Higher risk for NTM infection was associated with older age, rurality, and more flooding. Clinicians and public health professionals should be aware of increased risk for NTM infections, especially in similar environments.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang S, Zhang H, Zhang C. A Dynamic Systems Study on Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency in English Writing Development by Chinese University Students. Front Psychol 2022; 13:787710. [PMID: 35602713 PMCID: PMC9120842 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.787710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the development of lexical complexity, sentence complexity, accuracy, and fluency in the English writing of 22 Chinese university students from the perspective of Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST). Compositions were assigned 30 times over the course of one academic year through Pigaiwang, an online platform that automatically evaluates writing. A modified retrodictive modeling approach was adopted. Specifically, a longitudinal cluster analysis was used to examine emergent prototypes. A moving correlation analysis and retrodictive interviews were conducted to study the signature dynamics that produce each prototype. At each collection, the 22 student compositions were classified into two clusters. One cluster contained those students who performed better than average in accuracy, but worse in the other three variables. The other cluster comprised those students with the opposite performance. Students moved continuously between the two clusters; and their change trajectories can be categorized into three prototypes: a continuously stable type, an initially variable and then stable type, and a continuously variable type. Case studies of three students representing the three emergent prototypes indicated that the signature dynamics for the three prototypes were related to dynamic interactions among different variables and dynamic changes in affect-related elements in the form of writing interests, motivation, and strategies. The initial conditions and the feedback from Pigaiwang acted as key control parameters in shaping the prototypes. The continuously variable prototype developed their writing proficiency to the greatest extent and had the most variability. Based upon the findings, implications for teaching L2 writing are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhang
- School of Foreign Languages, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- School of Foreign Languages, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Cun Zhang
- School of Foreign Languages, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gross JE, Caceres S, Poch K, Hasan NA, Jia F, Epperson LE, Lipner E, Vang C, Honda JR, Strand M, Calado Nogueira de Moura V, Daley CL, Strong M, Davidson RM, Nick JA. Investigating Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Transmission at the Colorado Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:1064-1074. [PMID: 35085056 PMCID: PMC9851486 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202108-1911oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Healthcare-associated transmission of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) has been investigated at CF centers worldwide, with conflicting conclusions. We investigated transmission at the Colorado Adult CF Program. Objectives: To systematically investigate healthcare-associated transmission and/or acquisition of NTM to determine similarity among respiratory and environmental isolates, and to compare home residence watershed mapping among pwCF having genetically similar NTM isolates. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing of NTM isolates from 80 pwCF was conducted to identify genetically similar isolate clusters (⩽30 SNP differences). Epidemiology, comparison of respiratory and environmental isolates, and home residence watershed mapping were analyzed. Measurements and Main Results: Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed 11 clusters of NTM [6 Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies (ssp.) abscessus, 1 M. abscessus ssp. massiliense, 2 Mycobacterium avium, and 2 Mycobacterium intracellulare] among pwCF. Epidemiologic investigation demonstrated opportunities for healthcare-associated transmission in two M. abscessus and two M. avium clusters. Respiratory and healthcare environmental isolate comparisons revealed no genetic similarity. Individuals comprising one M. abscessus cluster, with no plausible healthcare-associated transmission, resided in the same watershed. Conclusions: This study suggests healthcare-associated transmission of M. abscessus is rare and includes a report of potential healthcare-associated transmission of M. avium among pwCF. One M. abscessus cluster possibly had common acquisition arising from residing in the same watershed. The presence of genetically similar isolates is insufficient to demonstrate healthcare-associated NTM transmission. Standardizing epidemiologic investigation, combined with environmental sampling and watershed analysis, will improve understanding of the frequency and nature of healthcare-associated NTM transmission among pwCF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fan Jia
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles L. Daley
- Division of Mycobacterial and Respiratory Infections, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lipner EM, Crooks JL, French J, Strong M, Nick JA, Prevots DR. Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection and environmental molybdenum in persons with cystic fibrosis: a case-control study in Colorado. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 32:289-294. [PMID: 34218259 PMCID: PMC8920885 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental bacteria that may cause chronic lung disease and are one of the most difficult-to-treat infections among persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Environmental factors likely contribute to increased NTM densities, with higher potential for exposure and infection. OBJECTIVE To identify water-quality constituents that influence odds of NTM infection among pwCF in Colorado. METHODS We conducted a population-based nested case-control study using patient data from the Colorado CF Center NTM database. We associated data from pwCF and water-quality data extracted from the Water Quality Portal to estimate odds of NTM infection. Using Bayesian generalized linear models with binomial-distributed discrete responses, we modeled three separate outcomes; any NTM infection, infections due to Mycobacterium avium complex species, and infections due to M. abscessus group species. RESULTS We observed a consistent association with molybdenum in the source water and M. abscessus group species infection among pwCF in all models. For every 1-unit increase in the log concentration of molybdenum in surface water, the odds of infection for those with M. abscessus group species compared to those who were NTM culture-negative increased by 79%. The odds of M. abscessus group infection varied by county; the counties with the highest probability of infection are located along the major rivers. CONCLUSIONS We have identified molybdenum in the source water as the most predictive factor of M. abscessus group infection among pwCF in Colorado. This finding will help inform patients at risk for NTM of their relative risks in residing within specific regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettie M Lipner
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - James L Crooks
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Joshua French
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michael Strong
- Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jerry A Nick
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - D Rebecca Prevots
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Foote SL, Lipner EM, Prevots DR, Ricotta EE. Environmental predictors of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) sputum positivity among persons with cystic fibrosis in the state of Florida. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259964. [PMID: 34882686 PMCID: PMC8659685 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic human pathogens that are commonly found in soil and water, and exposure to these organisms may cause pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease. Persons with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at high risk for developing pulmonary NTM infections, and studies have shown that prolonged exposure to certain environments can increase the risk of pulmonary NTM. It is therefore important to determine the risk associated with different geographic areas. Using annualized registry data obtained from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry for 2010 through 2017, we conducted a geospatial analysis of NTM infections among persons with CF in Florida. A Bernoulli model in SaTScan was used to identify clustering of ZIP codes with higher than expected numbers of NTM culture positive individuals. Generalized linear mixed models with a binomial distribution were used to test the association of environmental variables and NTM culture positivity. We identified a significant cluster of M. abscessus and predictors of NTM sputum positivity, including annual precipitation and soil mineral levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L. Foote
- Office of Data Science and Emerging Technologies, Office of Science Management and Operations, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rockville, MD, United States of America
| | - Ettie M. Lipner
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - D. Rebecca Prevots
- Division of Intramural Research, Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States of America
| | - Emily E. Ricotta
- Division of Intramural Research, Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davidson RM, Hasan NA, Epperson LE, Benoit JB, Kammlade SM, Levin AR, Calado de Moura V, Hunkins J, Weakly N, Beagle S, Sagel SD, Martiniano SL, Salfinger M, Daley CL, Nick JA, Strong M. Population Genomics of Mycobacterium abscessus from U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Care Centers. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 18:1960-1969. [PMID: 33856965 PMCID: PMC8641822 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202009-1214oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale:Mycobacterium abscessus is a significant threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) because of innate drug resistance and potential transmission between patients. Recent studies described global dominant circulating clones of M. abscessus, but detailed genomic surveys have not yet been described for the United States. Objectives: We examined the genetic diversity of respiratory M. abscessus isolates from U.S. patients with CF and evaluated the potential for transmission events within CF Care Centers. Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 558 M. abscessus isolates from 266 patients with CF attending 48 CF Care Centers in 28 U.S. states as part of a nationwide surveillance program. U.S. isolates were also compared with 64 isolate genomes from 13 previous studies to evaluate the prevalence of recently described dominant circulating clones. Results: More than half of study patients with CF and M. abscessus had isolates within four dominant clones; two clones of M. abscessus subspecies (subsp.) abscessus (MAB) and two clones of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense (MMAS). Acquired drug resistance mutations for aminoglycosides and macrolides were rare in the isolate population, and they were not significantly enriched in dominant clones compared with unclustered isolates. For a subset of 55 patients, there was no relationship between dominant clones and diagnosis of active lung disease (P = 1.0). Twenty-nine clusters of genetically similar MAB isolates and eight clusters of genetically similar MMAS isolates were identified. Overall, 28 of 204 (14%) patients with MAB and 15 of 64 (23%) patients with MMAS had genetically isolates similar to those of at least one other patient at the same CF Care Center. Genetically similar isolates were also found between 60 of 204 (29%) patients with MAB and 19 of 64 (30%) patients with MMAS from different geographic locations. Conclusions: Our study reveals the predominant genotypes of M. abscessus and frequency of shared strains between patients in U.S. CF Care Centers. Integrated epidemiological and environmental studies would help to explain the widespread presence of dominant clones in the United States, including the potential for broad distribution in the environment. Single site studies using systematic, evidence-based approaches will be needed to establish the contributions of health care-associated transmission versus shared environmental exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Adrah R. Levin
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott D. Sagel
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado–School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - Stacey L. Martiniano
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Colorado–School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; and
| | - Max Salfinger
- College of Public Health and
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Charles L. Daley
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jerry A. Nick
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
NTM Infection Risk and Trace Metals in Surface Water: A Population-Based Ecologic Epidemiologic Study in Oregon. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2021; 19:543-550. [PMID: 34582742 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.202101-053oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous environmental bacteria, and some pathogenic species cause lung disease. Environmental factors contribute to increased NTM abundance, with higher potential for exposure and infection. OBJECTIVE To identify water-quality constituents that influence the risk of NTM infection in Oregon. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study using patient incidence data from the Oregon statewide NTM laboratory data collected as part of a public health surveillance project from 2007 through 2012. To estimate the risk of NTM Pulmonary Infection (PI) from exposure to water constituents, we extracted water-quality data from the Water Quality Portal and associated these data with corresponding patient county of residence. Using generalized linear models, we modeled two outcomes: Mycobacterium avium complex species PI and Mycobacterium abscessus group species PI. RESULTS For every 1-unit increase in the log concentration of vanadium in surface water, infection risk increased by 49% among persons with Mycobacterium avium complex PI. Among those with Mycobacterium abscessus PI, we observed that for every 1-unit increase in the log concentration of molybdenum in surface water, infection risk increased by 41%. The highest risk of infection due to Mycobacterium abscessus group infection was concentrated in counties within the Northwestern region of Oregon. High infection risk associated with Mycobacterium avium complex species did not show any geographic pattern. CONCLUSIONS Concentrations of the trace metals molybdenum and vanadium in surface water sources were associated with NTM infection in Oregon. These findings may help identify regions at higher risk of NTM infection to guide risk reduction strategies.
Collapse
|
14
|
Lu J, Lin A, Jiang C, Zhang A, Yang Z. Influence of transportation network on transmission heterogeneity of COVID-19 in China. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH. PART C, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2021; 129:103231. [PMID: 34092940 PMCID: PMC8169317 DOI: 10.1016/j.trc.2021.103231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a novel approach to model spatial heterogeneity for epidemic spreading, which combines the relevance of transport proximity in human movement and the excellent estimation accuracy of deep neural network. We apply this model to investigate the effects of various transportation networks on the heterogeneous propagation of COVID-19 in China. We further apply it to predict the development of COVID-19 in China in two scenarios, i.e., i) assuming that different types of traffic restriction policies are conducted and ii) assuming that the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak is in Beijing, so as to illustrate the potential usage of the model in generating various policy insights to help the containment of the further spread of COVID-19. We find that the most effective way to prevent the coronavirus from spreading quickly and extensively is to control the routes linked to the epicenter at the beginning of the pandemic. But if the virus has been widely spread, setting restrictions on hub cities would be much more efficient than imposing the same travel ban across the whole country. We also show that a comprehensive consideration of the epicenter location is necessary for disease control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lu
- College of Civil Aviation, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Anrong Lin
- College of Civil Aviation, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
| | - Changmin Jiang
- Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Anming Zhang
- Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z2, Canada
| | - Zhongzhen Yang
- Faculty of Maritime and Transportation, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Meysami M, French JP, Lipner EM. Estimating the optimal population upper bound for scan methods in retrospective disease surveillance. Biom J 2021; 63:1633-1651. [PMID: 34272889 DOI: 10.1002/bimj.202000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Correctly and quickly identifying disease patterns and clusters is a vital aspect of public health and epidemiology so that disease outbreaks can be mitigated as effectively as possible. The circular scan method is one of the most commonly used methods for detecting disease outbreaks and clusters in retrospective and prospective disease surveillance. The circular scan method requires a population upper bound in order to construct the set of candidate zones to be scanned, which is usually set to 50% of the total population. The performance of the circular scan method is affected by the choice of the population upper bound, and choosing an upper bound different from the default value can improve the method's performance. Recently, the Gini coefficient based on the Lorenz curve, which was originally used in economics, was proposed to determine a better population upper bound. We present the elbow method, a new method for choosing the population upper bound, which seeks to address some of the limitations of the Gini-based method while improving the performance of the circular scan method over the default value. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, we evaluate the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the circular scan method for publicly-available benchmark data for the default value, the Gini coefficient method, and the elbow method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Meysami
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Joshua P French
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Ettie M Lipner
- National Jewish Health, Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, Denver, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Faverio P, De Giacomi F, Bodini BD, Stainer A, Fumagalli A, Bini F, Luppi F, Aliberti S. Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease: an integrated approach beyond antibiotics. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00574-2020. [PMID: 34046491 PMCID: PMC8141831 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00574-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease (PD) is an emerging condition with heterogeneous manifestations from both the microbiological and the clinical point of view. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines are available but there are still unmet patients' and physicians' needs, including therapy-related adverse events, symptom control, management of comorbidities, risk of re-exposure to the pathogen and unfavourable outcomes. In the present review, we provide currently available evidence for an integrated approach to NTM-PD beyond antibiotic therapy. This includes 1) avoiding exposure to environments where mycobacteria are present and careful evaluation of lifestyle and habits; 2) implementing a personalised pulmonary rehabilitation plan and airway clearance techniques to improve symptoms, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity in daily living activities; 3) a nutritional evaluation and intervention to improve health-related QoL and to control gastrointestinal side-effects during antimicrobial therapy, particularly in those with low body mass index and history of weight loss; and 4) managing comorbidities that affect disease outcomes, including structural lung diseases, immune status evaluation and psychological support when appropriate. An integrated approach, including risk factor prevention, management of comorbidities, nutritional evaluation and intervention and pulmonary rehabilitation, should be considered in the optimal management of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary diseasehttps://bit.ly/2YEqvQg
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Faverio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Respiratory Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica De Giacomi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Respiratory Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Bruno Dino Bodini
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation, ASST Rhodense, Casati Hospital, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Anna Stainer
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Respiratory Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessia Fumagalli
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit - Research Hospital of Casatenovo, Italian National Research Centre on Aging, Casatenovo, Italy
| | - Francesco Bini
- Respiratory Unit, Internal Medicine Dept, ASST Rhodense, G. Salvini Hospital, Garbagnate Milanese, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Luppi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Respiratory Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Stefano Aliberti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Adult Center, Milan, Italy.,Dept of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tran T, Dawrs SN, Norton GJ, Virdi R, Honda JR. Brought to you courtesy of the red, white, and blue-pigments of nontuberculous mycobacteria. AIMS Microbiol 2020; 6:434-450. [PMID: 33364537 PMCID: PMC7755587 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigments are chromophores naturally synthesized by animals, plants, and microorganisms, as well as produced synthetically for a wide variety of industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Bacteria produce various pigments including melanin, pyocyanin, bacteriochlorophyll, violacein, prodigiosin, and carotenoids that exert diverse biological activities as antioxidants and demonstrate anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial properties. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include over 200 environmental and acid-fast species; some of which can cause opportunistic disease in humans. Early in the study of mycobacteriology, the vast majority of mycobacteria were not known to synthesize pigments, particularly NTM isolates of clinical significance such as the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) species. This paper reviews the overall understanding of microbial pigments, their applications, as well as highlights what is currently known about pigments produced by NTM, the circumstances that trigger their production, and their potential roles in NTM survival and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tru Tran
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Stephanie N Dawrs
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health; Department of Immunology and Genomic Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Grant J Norton
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health; Department of Immunology and Genomic Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Ravleen Virdi
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health; Department of Immunology and Genomic Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jennifer R Honda
- Center for Genes, Environment, and Health; Department of Immunology and Genomic Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Assessment of Soil Features on the Growth of Environmental Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Isolates from Hawai'i. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00121-20. [PMID: 32859599 PMCID: PMC7580544 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00121-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally and in the United States, the prevalence of NTM pulmonary disease—a potentially life-threatening but underdiagnosed chronic illness—is prominently rising. While NTM are ubiquitous in the environment, including in soil, the specific soil components that promote or inhibit NTM growth have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that NTM culture-positive soil contains minerals that promote NTM growth in vitro. Because Hawai’i is a hot spot for NTM and a unique geographic archipelago, we examined the composition of Hawai’i soil and identified individual clay, iron, and manganese minerals associated with NTM. Next, individual components were evaluated for their ability to directly modulate NTM growth in culture. In general, gibbsite and some manganese oxides were shown to decrease NTM, whereas iron-containing minerals were associated with higher NTM counts. These data provide new information to guide future analyses of soil-associated factors impacting persistence of these soil bacteria. Environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), with the potential to cause opportunistic lung infections, can reside in soil. This might be particularly relevant in Hawai’i, a geographic hot spot for NTM infections and whose soil composition differs from many other areas of the world. Soil components are likely to contribute to NTM prevalence in certain niches as food sources or attachment scaffolds, but the particular types of soils, clays, and minerals that impact NTM growth are not well-defined. Hawai’i soil and chemically weathered rock (saprolite) samples were examined to characterize the microbiome and quantify 11 mineralogical features as well as soil pH. Machine learning methods were applied to identify important soil features influencing the presence of NTM. Next, these features were directly tested in vitro by incubating synthetic clays and minerals in the presence of Mycobacteroides abscessus and Mycobacterium chimaera isolates recovered from the Hawai'i environment, and changes in bacterial growth were determined. Of the components examined, synthetic gibbsite, a mineral form of aluminum hydroxide, inhibited the growth of both M. abscessus and M. chimaera, while other minerals tested showed differential effects on each species. For example, M. abscessus (but not M. chimaera) growth was significantly higher in the presence of hematite, an iron oxide mineral. In contrast, M. chimaera (but not M. abscessus) counts were significantly reduced in the presence of birnessite, a manganese-containing mineral. These studies shed new light on the mineralogic features that promote or inhibit the presence of Hawai’i NTM in Hawai’i soil. IMPORTANCE Globally and in the United States, the prevalence of NTM pulmonary disease—a potentially life-threatening but underdiagnosed chronic illness—is prominently rising. While NTM are ubiquitous in the environment, including in soil, the specific soil components that promote or inhibit NTM growth have not been elucidated. We hypothesized that NTM culture-positive soil contains minerals that promote NTM growth in vitro. Because Hawai’i is a hot spot for NTM and a unique geographic archipelago, we examined the composition of Hawai’i soil and identified individual clay, iron, and manganese minerals associated with NTM. Next, individual components were evaluated for their ability to directly modulate NTM growth in culture. In general, gibbsite and some manganese oxides were shown to decrease NTM, whereas iron-containing minerals were associated with higher NTM counts. These data provide new information to guide future analyses of soil-associated factors impacting persistence of these soil bacteria.
Collapse
|
19
|
Pereira AC, Ramos B, Reis AC, Cunha MV. Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Molecular and Physiological Bases of Virulence and Adaptation to Ecological Niches. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091380. [PMID: 32916931 PMCID: PMC7563442 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are paradigmatic colonizers of the total environment, circulating at the interfaces of the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. Their striking adaptive ecology on the interconnection of multiple spheres results from the combination of several biological features related to their exclusive hydrophobic and lipid-rich impermeable cell wall, transcriptional regulation signatures, biofilm phenotype, and symbiosis with protozoa. This unique blend of traits is reviewed in this work, with highlights to the prodigious plasticity and persistence hallmarks of NTM in a wide diversity of environments, from extreme natural milieus to microniches in the human body. Knowledge on the taxonomy, evolution, and functional diversity of NTM is updated, as well as the molecular and physiological bases for environmental adaptation, tolerance to xenobiotics, and infection biology in the human and non-human host. The complex interplay between individual, species-specific and ecological niche traits contributing to NTM resilience across ecosystems are also explored. This work hinges current understandings of NTM, approaching their biology and heterogeneity from several angles and reinforcing the complexity of these microorganisms often associated with a multiplicity of diseases, including pulmonary, soft-tissue, or milliary. In addition to emphasizing the cornerstones of knowledge involving these bacteria, we identify research gaps that need to be addressed, stressing out the need for decision-makers to recognize NTM infection as a public health issue that has to be tackled, especially when considering an increasingly susceptible elderly and immunocompromised population in developed countries, as well as in low- or middle-income countries, where NTM infections are still highly misdiagnosed and neglected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André C. Pereira
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Ramos
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Reis
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica V. Cunha
- Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.C.P.); (B.R.); (A.C.R.)
- Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-217-500-000 (ext. 22461)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lipner EM, French J, Bern CR, Walton-Day K, Knox D, Strong M, Prevots DR, Crooks JL. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease and Molybdenum in Colorado Watersheds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17113854. [PMID: 32485845 PMCID: PMC7312647 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental bacteria that may cause chronic lung disease. Environmental factors that favor NTM growth likely increase the risk of NTM exposure within specific environments. We aimed to identify water-quality constituents (Al, As, Cd, Ca, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, K, Se, Na, Zn, and pH) associated with NTM disease across Colorado watersheds. We conducted a geospatial, ecological study, associating data from patients with NTM disease treated at National Jewish Health and water-quality data from the Water Quality Portal. Water-quality constituents associated with disease risk were identified using generalized linear models with Poisson-distributed discrete responses. We observed a highly robust association between molybdenum (Mo) in the source water and disease risk. For every 1- unit increase in the log concentration of molybdenum in the source water, disease risk increased by 17.0%. We also observed a statistically significant association between calcium (Ca) in the source water and disease risk. The risk of NTM varied by watershed and was associated with watershed-specific water-quality constituents. These findings may inform mitigation strategies to decrease the overall risk of exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ettie M. Lipner
- National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; (M.S.); (J.L.C.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Joshua French
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA;
| | - Carleton R. Bern
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, USA; (C.R.B.); (K.W.-D.)
| | - Katherine Walton-Day
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Denver, CO 80225, USA; (C.R.B.); (K.W.-D.)
| | - David Knox
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
| | - Michael Strong
- National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; (M.S.); (J.L.C.)
| | - D. Rebecca Prevots
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - James L. Crooks
- National Jewish Health, Denver, CO 80206, USA; (M.S.); (J.L.C.)
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Revisiting John Snow to Meet the Challenge of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16214250. [PMID: 31683836 PMCID: PMC6862550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16214250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous components of the soil and surface water microbiome. Disparities by sex, age, and geography demonstrate that both host and environmental factors are key determinants of NTM disease in populations, which predominates in the form of chronic pulmonary disease. As the incidence of NTM pulmonary disease rises across the United States, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing this emerging human health issue requires a bold, multi-disciplinary research framework that incorporates host risk factors for NTM pulmonary disease alongside the determinants of NTM residence in the environment. Such a framework should include the assessment of environmental characteristics promoting NTM growth in soil and surface water, detailed evaluations of water distribution systems, direct sampling of water sources for NTM contamination and species diversity, and studies of host and bacterial factors involved in NTM pathogenesis. This comprehensive approach can identify intervention points to interrupt the transmission of pathogenic NTM species from the environment to the susceptible host and to reduce NTM pulmonary disease incidence.
Collapse
|
22
|
Golembiewski E, Allen KS, Blackmon AM, Hinrichs RJ, Vest JR. Combining Nonclinical Determinants of Health and Clinical Data for Research and Evaluation: Rapid Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e12846. [PMID: 31593550 PMCID: PMC6803891 DOI: 10.2196/12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonclinical determinants of health are of increasing importance to health care delivery and health policy. Concurrent with growing interest in better addressing patients’ nonmedical issues is the exponential growth in availability of data sources that provide insight into these nonclinical determinants of health. Objective This review aimed to characterize the state of the existing literature on the use of nonclinical health indicators in conjunction with clinical data sources. Methods We conducted a rapid review of articles and relevant agency publications published in English. Eligible studies described the effect of, the methods for, or the need for combining nonclinical data with clinical data and were published in the United States between January 2010 and April 2018. Additional reports were obtained by manual searching. Records were screened for inclusion in 2 rounds by 4 trained reviewers with interrater reliability checks. From each article, we abstracted the measures, data sources, and level of measurement (individual or aggregate) for each nonclinical determinant of health reported. Results A total of 178 articles were included in the review. The articles collectively reported on 744 different nonclinical determinants of health measures. Measures related to socioeconomic status and material conditions were most prevalent (included in 90% of articles), followed by the closely related domain of social circumstances (included in 25% of articles), reflecting the widespread availability and use of standard demographic measures such as household income, marital status, education, race, and ethnicity in public health surveillance. Measures related to health-related behaviors (eg, smoking, diet, tobacco, and substance abuse), the built environment (eg, transportation, sidewalks, and buildings), natural environment (eg, air quality and pollution), and health services and conditions (eg, provider of care supply, utilization, and disease prevalence) were less common, whereas measures related to public policies were rare. When combining nonclinical and clinical data, a majority of studies associated aggregate, area-level nonclinical measures with individual-level clinical data by matching geographical location. Conclusions A variety of nonclinical determinants of health measures have been widely but unevenly used in conjunction with clinical data to support population health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie S Allen
- IUPUI Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Amber M Blackmon
- IUPUI Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Joshua R Vest
- IUPUI Richard M Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cowman S, van Ingen J, Griffith DE, Loebinger MR. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J 2019; 54:13993003.00250-2019. [PMID: 31221809 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00250-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a challenging infection which is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in the elderly, for reasons which are unknown. While underlying lung disease is a well-established risk factor for NTM-PD, it may also occur in apparently healthy individuals. No single common genetic or immunological defect has been identified in this group, and it is likely that multiple pathways contribute towards host susceptibility to NTM-PD which further interact with environmental and microbiological factors leading to the development of disease.The diagnosis of NTM-PD relies on the integration of clinical, radiological and microbiological results. The clinical course of NTM-PD is heterogeneous, with some patients remaining stable without the need for treatment and others developing refractory disease associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Treatment regimens are based on the identity of the isolated species, drug sensitivity testing (for some agents) and the severity of disease. Multiple antibiotics are typically required for prolonged periods of time and treatment is frequently poorly tolerated. Surgery may be beneficial in selected cases. In some circumstances cure may not be attainable and there is a pressing need for better regimens to treat refractory and drug-resistant NTM-PD.This review summarises current knowledge on the epidemiology, aetiology and diagnosis of NTM-PD and discusses the treatment of two of the most clinically significant species, the M. avium and M. abscessus complexes, with a focus on refractory disease and novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Cowman
- Host Defence Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.,Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Jakko van Ingen
- Dept of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David E Griffith
- Dept of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Michael R Loebinger
- Host Defence Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK .,Imperial College, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Retrospective Analysis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection and Monochloramine Disinfection of Municipal Drinking Water in Michigan. mSphere 2019; 4:4/4/e00160-19. [PMID: 31270167 PMCID: PMC6609225 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00160-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) result in significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. NTM are primarily acquired from environmental sources, including exposure to municipally treated drinking water. Higher levels of NTM have been reported in drinking water disinfected with monochloramine than in drinking water disinfected with chlorine. Our results suggest that municipal drinking water disinfection with monochloramine compared to chlorine is not associated with higher risk of NTM infection. This is important given that regulations that limit drinking water concentrations of disinfection by-products, which are formed primarily when chlorine disinfection is used, incentivize drinking water utilities to change from chlorine disinfection to monochloramine disinfection. Infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are primarily acquired from environmental sources, including exposure to municipally treated drinking water. Higher levels of NTM have been reported in drinking water disinfected with monochloramine than in that disinfected with chlorine. However, the relationships between water treatment practices and NTM infection are unclear. The objective of this study was to examine a possible relationship between residual disinfectant used for municipal drinking water treatment (monochloramine or chlorine) and NTM infection. We retrospectively reviewed NTM diagnostic tests performed at a single health care center during a 15-year period. Information on municipal water treatment practices, including disinfectant and primary source water type, was obtained for 140 cities. Based on a logistic regression model, municipal drinking water disinfection with monochloramine compared to chlorine was not associated with NTM infection (P = 0.24). An additional model variable examining water source showed that the likelihood of having an NTM infection was 1.46 times higher for patients residing in cities with drinking water derived from surface water than for those residing in cities with drinking water derived from groundwater (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 2.08; P = 0.04). In an inverse propensity score weighted regression, monochloramine disinfection was also not associated with NTM infection. A moderate effect on NTM infection rates was observed in the weighted regression for municipal drinking water derived from surface water, though the results were not statistically significant (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.69; P = 0.17). IMPORTANCE Infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) result in significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. NTM are primarily acquired from environmental sources, including exposure to municipally treated drinking water. Higher levels of NTM have been reported in drinking water disinfected with monochloramine than in drinking water disinfected with chlorine. Our results suggest that municipal drinking water disinfection with monochloramine compared to chlorine is not associated with higher risk of NTM infection. This is important given that regulations that limit drinking water concentrations of disinfection by-products, which are formed primarily when chlorine disinfection is used, incentivize drinking water utilities to change from chlorine disinfection to monochloramine disinfection.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zweijpfenning S, Hoefsloot W, van Ingen J. Nontuberculous mycobacteria. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2018. [DOI: 10.1183/2312508x.10022717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
26
|
Honda JR, Virdi R, Chan ED. Global Environmental Nontuberculous Mycobacteria and Their Contemporaneous Man-Made and Natural Niches. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2029. [PMID: 30214436 PMCID: PMC6125357 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal microbiological work of environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) includes the discovery that NTM inhabit water distribution systems and soil, and that the species of NTM found are geographically diverse. It is likely that patients acquire their infections from repeated exposures to their environments, based on the well-accepted paradigm that water and soil bioaerosols - enriched for NTM - can be inhaled into the lungs. Support comes from reports demonstrating NTM isolated from the lungs of patients are genetically identical to NTM found in their environment. Well documented sources of NTM include peat-rich soils, natural waters, drinking water, hot water heaters, refrigerator taps, catheters, and environmental amoeba. However, NTM have also been recovered in biofilms from ice machines, heated nebulizers, and heater-cooler units, as well as seat dust from theaters, vacuum cleaners, and cobwebs. New studies on the horizon aim to significantly expand the current knowledge of environmental NTM niches in order to improve our current understanding of the specific ecological factors driving the emergence of NTM lung disease. Specifically, the Hawaiian Island environment is currently being studied as a model to identify other point sources of exposure as it is the U.S. state with the highest number of NTM lung disease cases. Because of its geographic isolation and unique ecosystem, the Hawaiian environment is being probed for correlative factors that may promote environmental NTM colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Honda
- Department of Biomedical Research and the Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Ravleen Virdi
- Department of Biomedical Research and the Center for Genes, Environment, and Health, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Edward D. Chan
- Medicine and Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, United States
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Adjemian J, Daniel-Wayman S, Ricotta E, Prevots DR. Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteriosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 39:325-335. [PMID: 30071547 PMCID: PMC11037020 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1651491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Annual prevalence estimates for pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (PNTM) disease in the contiguous United States range from 1.4 to 13.9 per 100,000 persons, while one study found an annual prevalence of up to 44 per 100,000 persons in Hawaii. PNTM prevalence varies by region, sex, and race/ethnicity, with higher prevalence among women and persons of Asian ancestry, as well as in the Southern United States and Hawaii. Studies consistently indicate that PNTM prevalence is increasing, with estimates ranging from 2.5 to 8% per year. Most PNTM disease is associated with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), although the proportion of disease attributed to MAC varies by region. Host factors identified as influencing disease risk include structural lung disease, immunomodulatory medication, as well as variants in connective tissue, mucociliary clearance, and immune genes. Environmental variables including measures of atmospheric moisture and concentrations of certain soil factors have also been shown to correlate with higher PNTM prevalence. Prevalence of extrapulmonary NTM disease is lower, stable, and associated with different risk factors, including primary immune deficiencies or HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Adjemian
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Commissioned Corps, United States Public Health Service, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Shelby Daniel-Wayman
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily Ricotta
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - D. Rebecca Prevots
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) include species that colonize human epithelia, as well as species that are ubiquitous in soil and aquatic environments. NTM that primarily inhabit soil and aquatic environments include the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC, M. avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare) and the Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC, M. abscessus subspecies abscessus, massiliense, and bolletii), and can be free-living, biofilm-associated, or amoeba-associated. Although NTM are rarely pathogenic in immunocompetent individuals, those who are immunocompromised - due to either an inherited or acquired immunodeficiency - are highly susceptible to NTM infection (NTMI). Several characteristics such as biofilm formation and the ability of select NTM species to form distinct colony morphotypes all may play a role in pathogenesis not observed in the related, well-characterized pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis The recognition of different morphotypes of NTM has been established and characterized since the 1950s, but the mechanisms that underlie colony phenotype change and subsequent differences in pathogenicity are just beginning to be explored. Advances in genomic analysis have led to progress in identifying genes important to the pathogenesis and persistence of MAC disease as well as illuminating genetic aspects of different colony morphotypes. Here we review recent literature regarding NTM ecology and transmission, as well as the factors which regulate colony morphotype and pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Claeys
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard T Robinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| |
Collapse
|