Clinical characteristics of the smooth tubercle bacilli ‘Mycobacterium canettii’ infection suggest the existence of an environmental reservoir

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03347.x
• Publication Date: 2010-09-11T00:29:22Z
• Authors: J.-L. Koeck; M. Fabre; F. Simon; M. Daffé; é. Garnotel; A.B. Matan; P. Gérôme; J.-J. Bernatas; Y. Buisson; C. Pourcel
• Keywords: Tubercle; Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex

Over a 3-year follow-up, 30 out of the 318 unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates recovered in Republic Djibouti had smooth-type morphology and were Niacine-negative, characteristics 'Mycobacterium canettii' strains. Unlike M. tuberculosis, 'M. grew on nutrient-poor media at 30°C, possessed characteristic lipids. They isolated from respiratory extra-respiratory sites patients with typical forms tuberculosis. Most cases resolved antibiotic therapy but two human immunodeficiency virus-positive infection led to septicaemia death. No human-to-human transmission observed. The proportion caused by was higher among French than Djiboutian patients. Patients significantly younger those other Smooth tubercle bacilli could be misidentified as non-tuberculous mycobacteria appear limited Horn Africa. Their are consistent existence non-human sources infection.