[Identification and isolation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria from environmental samples].

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) found frequently in tap water and environment cause important opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify non-tuberculous mycobacteria in soil, raw milk and water distribution system samples in Mersin (a province located at Mediterranean region of Turkey). A total of 101 water, 124 soil and 40 milk samples collected from the central part and suburban parts of Mersin during November 2003-May 2004 period were included in the study.