MULTIPLICATION OF MYCOBACTERIA IN GRAY LAYER OF SPHAGNUM VEGETATION

Abstract

The capillary moisture of the gray layer of the Sphagnum magellanicum Association (ass.) contains nutrients for the growth of mycobacteria. Tested in vitro, significant multiplication was stated in mycobacterium intracellulare, serotype Davis, M. avium, M. scrofulaceum, M. fortuitium, M. xenopi, M. kansasii, M. borstelense, M. flavescens, M. gastri, M. gordonae, M. marinum, M. terrae, M. smegmatis, Mycobacterium species "S" and M. nonchromogenicum. There was no evident multiplication in M. phlei, M. triviale, M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. ulcerans in vitro. Using the cultivation of mycobacteria in the hollow fibers (pore size 100.000 MW) inserted directly in the gray layer of the S. magellanicum ass. a significant growth of all 18 species investigated was stated (excluding M. bovis and M. tuberculosis). A rapid multiplication was also detected in M. ulcerans. The sphagnum vegetation spreads over all continents. It develops very well under wet conditions surrounding springs and brooklets in the mountain region. Accumulation of solar heat directly under the surface of this vegetation makes possible a temperature 15-28.degree. C higher than the air temperature. In this way favorable conditions for mesophilic mycobacteria arise over an extended period of time. The close contact to waters contibutes to the wide distribution of mycobacteria.