Classification of mycobacteria with regard to their ecology

Abstract

In the past, several attempts have been made to divide mycobacteria into groups, first into pathogenic and saprophytic ones, later into anonymous, typical or atypical, opportunist, nontuberculous, environmental and others (Runyon, 1959, Davidson, 1981, Jenkins, 1981, Wolinsky, 1979, Grange, 1991). These designations, useful initially, later brought about confusion due to different interpretations. If it is generally accepted that the term mycobacteriosis is used to define disease caused by mycobacteria, then the terms atypical, opportunist or nontuberculous cannot be regarded as appropriate for mycobacterial species causing granulomatous tuberculosis. Thus, it can not be correct to classify M. avium as a nontuberculous mycobacterium because of its ability to cause tuberculosis not only in birds but also in humans.