The Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Complex

摘要: Publisher Summary Pulmonary tuberculosis is usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The avium (M. avium) complex constitutes an important group of potential human and animal pathogens because they are widely distributed throughout the natural environment many have to colonize pharyngeal intestinal mucosae individuals exposed contaminated food water. While majority organisms in this do not cause systemic disease humans, may induce severe infections patients with some form underlying lung disease. When occurs, innate drug resistance these makes it difficult treat such effectively. A great deal basic research needed before new improved methods can be developed detect identify mycobacteria present clinical specimens taken from patients.