A cross-environment comparison of nontuberculous mycobacterial diversity.

ABSTRACT: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of environmental bacteria that encompass nearly 200 described species, some of which can cause chronic pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections in humans. What makes these infections unique is that they are environmentally acquired, yet there remains a limited understanding of how different environments contribute to potential pathogen exposure. Here, we use new and existing marker gene data sets to compare the amounts and types of NTM across three environments known to harbor mycobacteria, surface waters, soil, and household plumbing biofilms, to better understand potential pathogen occurrence in each environment. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing, in tandem with mycobacterial-specific marker gene sequencing, to characterize variation in the rel

SUBMITTER: Gebert MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838349 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature