TRUE about mycobacterium other than tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium other than mammalian tubercle bacilli which cause human disease is called atypical, anonymous, unclassified, environmental, oppounistic. They have also been called para tubercle, tuberculoid, MOTT. They are of 4 groups: photochromogens, scotochromogens, non photochromogens, rapid growers. Widely distributed in the environment and are paicularly abundant in wet soil, marshland, streams, rivers and estuaries. Human beings are therefore regularly exposed to mycobacteria as a result of drinking, washing, showering and inhalation of natural aerosols. Ref: Ananthanarayanan & paniker's textbook of microbiology Ed 8th Page 359.
Causes disseminated infection
Occurs in persons with normal immunity
Causes decreased efficacy of BCG due to cross immunity
Person to person transmission is seen