INCIDENCE OF SEROTYPES OF MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM AND ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIA IN HUMAN AND ANIMAL DISEASES

Abstract

Three hundred and one strains of nonphoto-chromogenic and scotochromogenic atypical mycobacteria isolated from sputum specimens of human patients with bronchopulmonary diseases, 153 similar strains isolated from cervical lymph nodes of children, and 238 strains of nonphotochromogenic mycobacteria isolated from cattle, swine, and birds were identified serologically by their specific agglutination and classified into 20 serotypes. All strains of M. avium belonged to 2 serotypes, I and II. Type II was predominant. The serologic identification of M. avium was in accord with the results of the pathogenicity test in the chicken although nonpathogenic strains of M. avium were also found. The frequency of occurrence of M. avium serotypes varied with the countries. Fourteen of the 18 serotypes other than M. avium were encountered not only in man but also in cattle and swine. Two serotypes accounted for 1/2 of all strains isolated from cervical lymph node infections in children. The value of serotyping for the diagnosis of M. avium is discussed, and the significance of serotyping for the study of the epidemiology of the atypical mycobacteria is indicated.