Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolated from Environmental Water Samples with New Culture Media

PITTSBURGH, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Special Pathogens Laboratory (http://www.specialpathogenslab.com) and NTM researchers from Freeman Hospital and Northumbria University at Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, conducted the first study of a new culture media to isolate Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from potable and non-potable water. The study, Evaluation of a new culture medium for isolation of Nontuberculous mycobacteria from environmental water samples (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247166), published in PLOS ONE, examines the efficacy of the new RGM media.

Previous studies have shown the success of RGM media in isolating NTM from human cultures. Unlike other methods used by hospitals, RGM was designed specifically for NTM detection. This new media formulation requires no chemical decontamination process, controls mold and bacterial overgrowth, and is a much faster process than other methods.

The study's authors include: Kimberly J. Alexander, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Jennifer L. Furlong, MSHS, MT(ASCP), Special Pathogens Laboratory; Julianne L. Baron, PhD, Special Pathogens Laboratory; John D. Rihs, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Dominic Stephenson, PhD, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; John D. Perry, PhD, DcS, Microbiology Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; and Janet E. Stout, PhD, Special Pathogens Laboratory, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.

Unlike Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, NTM is a naturally occurring pathogen found in soil and water. Only a few of the 150 NTM species found in building water systems pose a serious risk to vulnerable individuals. The most vulnerable to infections, especially in healthcare environments, are those who are immunocompromised, such as transplant patients; have pre-existing lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis; are smokers; and the elderly.

Each year 3.2 – 9.8 NTM infections occur per 100,000 persons in the United States. People become ill from NTM found in drinking water, ice machines, pools, hot tubs, water features, healthcare medical instruments, heater cooler devices, and cooling towers. Infections result from aspiration, aerosolization, and direct contact with medical instruments.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lists NTM among the seven opportunistic pathogens found in healthcare water systems that require a risk assessment and a subsequent water management program. Because NTM is difficult to control in building water systems, even with secondary disinfection, the ability to isolate NTM bacteria is key to preventing infections.

"There is growing evidence that the presence of Nontuberculous mycobacteria in hospital water is responsible for a variety of infections," says the study's co-author Dr. Janet E. Stout, president, Special Pathogens Laboratory. "Detection means prevention. Our study shows that RGM selective culture media significantly improves the ability to detect NTM bacteria."

To analyze the effectiveness of RGM in environmental water samples, microbiologists analyzed 233 water samples from different facilities across the United States. Samples were placed on three different types of culture media: 1) standard acid decontamination followed by culture on Middlebrook 7H10 medium; 2) Standard acid decontamination followed by culture on Mitchison 7H11 medium; 3) Culture on RGM without acid decontamination.

The results showed that RGM increased the identification of samples that were positive for NTM, increased the isolation of pathogenic NTMs, gave higher average counts of NTM in positive samples, and was more efficient. Using the RGM media, a decontamination step was not required and overgrowth of other bacteria and mold were inhibited.

While more research is needed, the results of this study show promising results for NTM detection in building water systems, especially in hospitals, where the risk of infection from exposure to NTM from tap water used for showering, bathing, drinking, and medical devices is well documented, especially for the immunocompromised.    

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Special Pathogens Laboratory provides evidence-based solutions to detect, control, prevent, and remediate Legionella and waterborne pathogens in building water systems. Internationally renowned for pioneering research and expertise in Legionnaires' disease prevention, Special Pathogens provides laboratory services, water management, and education to all sectors, especially healthcare. Our mission is to end Legionnaires' disease. The laboratory is accredited, and specifically accredited for Legionella testing, participates in CDC-ELITE and PHE Legionella testing proficiency programs.

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