LAUSR

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are found throughout our environment and infection is thought to occur through acquisition from environmental sources such as soil and water [1]. However, recent studies have reported that many people with cystic fibrosis (CF) share one of several dominant circulating clones, suggesting the possibility of transmission between individuals, perhaps in healthcare facilities [2–4]. Indeed, several studies have reported the possibility of person-to-person transmission of NTM in people with and without CF in the healthcare setting [2, 5–19]. Most of these studies have investigated healthcare-associated transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies massiliense in the context of CF care centres and they have reported conflicting results, although most concluded that person-to-person transmission was uncommon and does not explain how most people with CF acquire infection. Most transmission of Mycobacterium avium complex occurs outside of healthcare facilities, and transmission within them is uncommon but likely through indirect means http://bit.ly/3ZsvZeC