Which Mycobacterium species can be acquired from tap water?

Which Mycobacterium species can be acquired from tap water?

• A. M. bovis
• B. M. gordonae
• C. M. kansaii
• D. M. avium-intracellulare

Answer: (B)

Environmental exposure is a major way people encounter non-tuberculous mycobacteria, with tap water serving as a common reservoir. Mycobacterium gordonae is notorious for being found in tap water and plumbing and is often described as a contaminant rather than a pathogen. This makes it the best fit for an organism that can be acquired from tap water. It’s usually nonpathogenic in healthy people, though rare infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals. The other species are more commonly associated with disease in humans or different transmission patterns—for example, some are linked to unpasteurized dairy or to water but are more notable for causing illness than for being typical tap-water inhabitants.

Environmental exposure is a major way people encounter non-tuberculous mycobacteria, with tap water serving as a common reservoir. Mycobacterium gordonae is notorious for being found in tap water and plumbing and is often described as a contaminant rather than a pathogen. This makes it the best fit for an organism that can be acquired from tap water. It’s usually nonpathogenic in healthy people, though rare infections can occur in immunocompromised individuals. The other species are more commonly associated with disease in humans or different transmission patterns—for example, some are linked to unpasteurized dairy or to water but are more notable for causing illness than for being typical tap-water inhabitants.