Background: Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. Hospital transmission of M. abscessus has been described. This paper details the investigation into possible cross-transmission of M. abscessus locally at our paediatric hospital CF centre, and the subsequent infection control response.
Methods: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of M. abscessus respiratory isolates with epidemiological linkage analysis using hospital electronic medical records.
Results: 6.7% (22/328) of CF patients had M. abscessus isolated from respiratory specimens. WGS revealed a cluster of three patients with genomically related isolates that differed by <7 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), suggesting a shared recent ancestor and probable cross-transmission. Epidemiological investigation revealed multiple potential crossovers between patients with genomically similar M. abscessus isolates.
Conclusions: Cross-infection of NTM occurs in CF hospital patients. Hospital infection control practices should be upgraded to reflect this. Consensus is needed between centres.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2019.02.011 | DOI Listing |
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