Genomic and epidemiologic investigation of Mycobacterium abscessus isolates in a cystic fibrosis center to determine potential routes of transmission.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Centers worldwide have reported healthcare-associated outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). We report a retrospective investigation of shared Mycobacterium abscessus strains among people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) receiving care at Dell Children's/Ascension combined Pediatric and Adult CF Program (DCMC).

Methods

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify genetically similar isolates among 167 NTM isolates from 57 pwCF. Epidemiological investigation, respiratory and environmental isolate comparisons, and watershed mapping were performed.

Results

WGS analysis revealed four M. abscessus clusters, two ssp. abscessus and two ssp. massiliense. One subject was infected with two distinct clustered M. abscessus (ssp. abscessus

SUBMITTER: Gross JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12392799 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature