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. 2020 Mar;19(2):219-224.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2019.02.011. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Investigating transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus amongst children in an Australian cystic fibrosis centre

Jennifer Yan  1 , Ajay Kevat  2 , Elena Martinez  3 , Nicky Teese  4 , Kareena Johnson  5 , Sarath Ranganathan  6 , Jo Harrison  7 , John Massie  8 , Andrew Daley  9
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Free article

Investigating transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus amongst children in an Australian cystic fibrosis centre

Jennifer Yan et al. J Cyst Fibros. 2020 Mar.
Free article

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis; Infection control; Mycobacterium abscessus; Non-tuberculous mycobacteria; Whole genome sequencing.

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