Emergence and spread of a human-transmissible multidrug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacterium

Lung infections with Mycobacterium abscessus, a species of multidrug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria, are emerging as an important global threat to individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), in whom M. abscessus accelerates inflammatory lung damage, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Previously, M. abscessus was thought to be independently acquired by susceptible individuals from the environment. However, using whole-genome analysis of a global collection of clinical isolates, we show that the majority of M. abscessus infections are acquired through transmission, potentially via fomites and aerosols, of recently emerged dominant circulating clones that have spread globally. We demonstrate that…

• W
  Wellcome

  Awards: 98051, 107032AIA
• CF
  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics
• NH
  NHS Health Scotland
• NI
  National Institute for Health and Care Research
• CF
  Cystic Fibrosis Trust
• MR
  Medical Research Council
• NH
  National Health and Medical Research Council