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Mycobacteriosis is a disease caused by the so-called non-tuberculous mycobacteria, which can be found, among others in tap sediments or in shower heads. They pose a particular threat to people with respiratory and immune system insufficiency, as well as allergy sufferers and the elderly, in whom they can even lead to death. Check what to recognize the symptoms of mycobacteriosis and how to treat it, and what is Lady Windermere syndrome.

Mycobacteriosisis a rare disease caused by the so-callednon-tuberculous mycobacteria (atypical ,NTM non-tuberculous mycobacterialubMOTT mycobacteria other than tuberculousis ), which are responsible for lung disease, diseases of the lymph nodes, skin, subcutaneous tissues and peritonitis. However, mycobacteria rarely lead to the development of the disease - in Poland there are about 200 cases a year, mainly among people at risk.

Mycobacteriosis - causes. How can you get infected?

Non-tuberculous bacilli are widespread in the environment - they can be found in soil and in open water bodies. They are also present in tap water, but are present in low concentrations, so there is no cause for concern. Worse if they accumulate in tap deposits or on the inside of the shower heads. In these places, they form the so-called biofilm and then their concentration can be up to 100 times higher than the concentration in water, which is a threat to he alth. The research shows thatM is most often isolated from the biofilm formed on tap water spouts in Poland. kansasii- mycobacteria from the groupMycobacterium avium complex.Therefore, they are the most common cause of illness in our country.

How is it infected? Pathogens can enter the respiratory system through the nose and mouth, along with splashing water droplets during bathing. Infection can also occur by inhaling germs with tap water (e.g. in a sauna). Importantly, mycobacteria cannot be transmitted to another person or from an animal.

Mycobacteriosis - risk factors

People struggling with chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis or cystic fibrosis. Tuberculosis,allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchiectasis and chest deformities also increase the likelihood of developing the disease, as do gastroesophageal reflux disease and achalasia. with neoplastic diseases. Another group at risk of developing mycobacteriosis are people with chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, alcoholism.

Susceptibility to mycobacterial infection may also be genetically determined.

Mycobacteriosis - symptoms

Non-tuberculous bacilli can enter the body without causing disease symptoms. However, when mycobacteriosis develops, it most often occurs in the form of tuberculosis (despite the fact that it is caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria), to which people with the above-mentioned are most at risk. lung lesions. It should be noted that mycobacteria reproduce very slowly, therefore the disease develops over many years, and its symptoms are sparse and weak. In the course of mycobacteriosis, the following appear:

  • chronic, persistent and dry cough with periodic mucopurulent discharge;
  • low-grade fever or fever;
  • night sweats;
  • weight loss;
  • you are less likely to experience shortness of breath or chest pain.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria can also, although less frequently and usually in people at risk, lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes, as well as skin and soft tissues.

Mycobacteriosis - diagnosis

A chest X-ray is performed. In the case of the disease, decaying infiltrates, nodules and / or lumpy masses are visible. A microbiological test (culture of sputum or bronchopulmonary lavage) is also necessary.

Mycobacteriosis - treatment

Mycobacteria are very resistant to treatment. Therefore, the therapy is long (it lasts for a year from receiving a negative culture result, which means that the treatment can last up to 2 years) and includes the use of several drugs, most often rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol.

This will be useful to you

After the end of treatment, systematic checks are necessary, incl. annual chest X-ray. In people at risk, this type of check-up should not take place in a lung disease clinic because there is a risk of tuberculosis infection. They should also avoid places and environments where exposure to tuberculosis is particularly high.

Worth knowing

Lady Windermere Syndromeis a symptom complex caused by a lower respiratory tract infectioncaused by non-tuberculous bacilliMycobacterium avium complex . The name comes from the heroine of Oscar Wilde's comedy "Lady Windermere's Fan". Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. Typical patients are elderly women, who have no problems with the immune system, are non-smokers, do not have concomitant pulmonary disease, and often have abnormalities in the structure of the chest and mitral valve prolapse. So far, only a dozen or so further cases of this syndrome have been published in the medical literature, so researchers' opinions about it are very divided.

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Category:

Infectious diseases