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Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare is prevalent in AIDS patients. In an effort t

ID: 73498 • Letter: M

Question

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare is prevalent in AIDS patients. In an effort to determine the source of this infection, hospital water systems were sampled. The water contained chlorine.

Percentage of samples with M. avium:

Hot Water

Cold Water

February

88%

February

22%

June

50%

June

11%

What is the usual method of transmission for Mycobacterium? What is the probable source of infection in hospitals? How can such nosocomial infections be prevented?

Hot Water

Cold Water

February

88%

February

22%

June

50%

June

11%

Explanation / Answer

The Mycobacterium is an airborne disease. Hot water is the probable source of infection in hospitals. Such nosocomial infections can be prevented by purifying the hot water, using cold water, washing hands with cold water, and antibacterial soaps will prevent the infection.