Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science (대한임상검사과학회지)

Korean Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (대한임상검사과학회)
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Isolation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) from Air Conditioner Dust

에어컨 먼지내 비결핵 항산균의 동정

  • Choi, Seung Gu (Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Shinhan University) ;
  • Choi, Myeong Sik (Department of Public Health Science, Graduate School of Dankook University)
  • 최승구 (신한대학교 임상병리학과) ;
  • 최명식 (단국대학교 대학원 보건학과)
  • Received : 2017.09.25
  • Accepted : 2017.11.01
  • Published : 2017.12.31
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Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) contains M. avium-intracellular complex (MAC), M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. kansasii, etc., which causes infections in swine, poultry, and other animals. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens that can contaminate people, and in doing so, cause various social economic problems. This study proved that NTM are also present in air conditioners of multiuse facilities in frequently visited populated areas. The results of this study are meaningful because they showed that pathogenic microbes can live in the surroundings and cause diseases to people with impaired immunity. This study used the AFB stain, L-J medium culture, and PCR method for the detection of MTB and NTM in air conditioner dust. MTB was not detected in any of the collected samples, while NTM was detected in 2 out of 40 samples (5%). Most people living in the modern environment cannot avoid being exposed to air conditioners so special attention is needed for sanitary inspections and the management of air conditioners. Moreover, it is important to study NTM through various individuals, accumulate the related data and establish the methods and standards of hygiene management system to reduce NTM infections in public areas. Moreover, it would be necessary to identify the precise species of NTM through DNA sequencing and evaluate the effects of NTM on the pulmonary tuberculosis in immunodeficiency patients.

비결핵 항상균(Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, NTM) M. avium-intracellular complex (MAC), M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, M. abscessus, M. kansasii 등을 함유한다. 비결핵 항상균은 자연 환경속에 서식하며 다양한 가축등에 감염한다. 그리고 사람한테는 기회감염을 유발하여 사회적 경제적 문제를 야기한다. 본 연구는 면역결핍 사람한테 기회감염을 유발하는 비결핵 항상균이 사람들이 흔히 이용하는 다중이용시설내 존재 유무를 확인하기위해 40개 에어컨 먼지를 채취하여 직접 AFB 염색, 직접 PCR, 간접 AFB 염색, 간접 PCR 등을 실시했다. 그 결과 채취한 샘플의 직접 AFB 염색, 직접 PCR 에서는 인형결핵균(MTB), 비결핵 항상균 모두 발견되지 않았다. 배양된 집락을 이용한 간접 AFB 염색, 간접 PCR 결과 인형결핵균 (MTB)은 모두 음성반응을 나타냈으며, 비결핵 항상균은 40개 샘풀 중 2개(5%)에서 양성반응을 나타냈다. 본 실험결과는 자연 내 비결핵 항상균이 존재한다는 사실을 증명했으며 비결핵 항상균이 기회감염의 원인임을 감안했을 때 다중이용시설의 청결한 위생처리가 중요함을 암시한다. 다만 비결핵 항상균의 종(species) 감별과 기회감염 유발 유무는 좀 더 연구가 필요하다고 사료된다.

Keywords

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  1. Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Molecular and Physiological Bases of Virulence and Adaptation to Ecological Niches vol.8, pp.9, 2017, https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8091380