Exploring clinical and genomic insights into non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Europe through a multinational study.
- Multinational European study provides comprehensive clinical and genomic data on the Mycobacterium avium complex from continental Europe.
- Population structure of Mycobacterium avium complex revealed, highlighting the role of plasmids in their evolution, potentially contributing to resistance and virulence.
- Increase in non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) diseases in Europe, particularly caused by Mycobacterium avium complex.
- Whole genome sequencing of 610 isolates from Germany, Switzerland, and France showed M. avium as the most common species followed by M. intracellulare subspecies.
- Plasmids present in a large proportion of MAC isolates in Europe, suggesting a significant evolutionary history and potential role in spread of virulence and resistance.
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Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary Medicine, Pathology & Lab Medicine