Understanding of NTM dynamics in environments

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K15490
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Environmental and hygienic pharmacy
• Research Institution: Osaka Shoin Women's University (2019); Osaka University (2017-2018)
• Principal Investigator: Ichijo Tomoaki 大阪樟蔭女子大学, 健康栄養学部, 准教授 (20513899)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 環境微生物 / 環境疾患 / 非結核性抗酸菌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to prevent the nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases originated from environments, clarification of the dynamics of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the environment is indispensable. In this study, we focused on the soil considered as one of infectious sources, and clarified the mycobacterial abundance and community structure using gene-targeting methods.
We found that there were various species of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the environment. Among these, focusing on Mycobacterium avium, it was found that it existed widely in the soil analyzed in this study, and it might dominate in the environment that repeats drying and wetting like flower pots.
These results became the fundamental knowledge for understanding the dynamics of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the environment, and we can contribute to prevent the nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases from the viewpoint of environmental microbiology.

Free Research Field

環境微生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

得られた結果は、環境における非結核性抗酸菌の動態を理解するための基盤的知見となり、環境微生物学の観点から非結核性抗酸菌症の予防への貢献が可能となる。