Molecular Characterization of Environmental and Clinical Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria Isolates from Copper Mines and Miners in Zambia

Shambaba Buzai Obi; Bernard Mudenda Hangombe; Gershom Chongwe; Monde Ngula; Innocent Chilumba Bwalya; Justin Chileshe; Mildred Zulu; Victor Daka; Andrew Mukubesa; Sharon Zimba; Musso Munyeme

doi:10.37591/rrjoi.v13i3.3414

Abstract

Background: The active and ex-miners have high risk factors for Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) disease due to the high burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, tuberculosis and silicosis through extensive use of aerosolised water for dust control in the mining environment. The study aimed at the isolation and characterization of nontuberculous mycobacteria from the miners and ex-miners in Zambia. Methods: Sputum samples were collected from 85 miners and ex-miners132 water samples were collected from the mining environment. Culture of sputum and water samples was done using standard mycobacterial culture procedures. Species identification was done by sequencing the 16S–23S rRNA Intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. Results: Mycobacterium Virginiense was the only species isolated from humans while Mycobacterium fortuitum 18.94% (25/132) was the most isolated species from water. Other NTM species isolated included Mycobacterium gordonae 9.1% (12/132), Mycobacterium species (not specified) 6.8% (9/132), Mycobacterium boenickei 4.6% (6/132). Mycobacterium paragordonae, Mycobacterium fortuitum (sub specie fortuitum 1.5% (2/132), and Mycobacterium celeriflavum (0.8% (1/132). Conclusion: The isolation of NTM species from humans and water highlighted that active and ex-miners are at potential risks of acquiring potentially pathogenic NTM from the mining environment. The epidemiological investigation of NTM is therefore recommended. This should include sampling from environmental sources such as water source and soil.

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