Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacteria in Hospital Water Supplies

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) were found in 10 (15.6%) out of 64 examined samples of tap water collected from 64 different points from the water supplies of the five main hospitals of the city of Patras (Peloponnese, Greece), during a six month period. The range of mycobacteria isolated from all the hospital water supplies was from 5-205 CFU L−1. The identification of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria was performed with PCR-Restriction Enzyme Analysis (PCR-REA). The dominant isolates were Mycobacterium chelonae (3), Mycobacterium gordonae (2), Mycobacterium flavescens (1) and Mycobacterium terrae (1). One strain was unidentifiable and another two were lost during subculturing. All examined samples were negative for faecal indicators. The periodical examination of potable water of certain hospital units (such as the ones taking care of immunocompromised hosts, haemodialysis units, endoscopy units, Intensive Care Units etc.) for non-tuberculosis mycobacteria is considered worthwile.