Evaluating the Sensitivity of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species Isolated from Water Samples to Conventional Antimycobacterial Drugs using E-Test Method

Nontuberculous mycobacteria were only known as environmental bacteria. However, they have recently been identified as important pathogens due to the increased prevalence of immunodeficiency diseases. Mycobacterial susceptibility testing is thus vital in management of patients with mycobacterial infections. In this study, different samples were collected from different water sources in Isfahan, Iran. The samples were then cultured to detect environmental mycobacteria. After confirming the species, E-test was used to determine the sensitivity of 14 nontuberculous mycobacterial isolates. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of 8 current routine antibiotics against mycobacterial infections were examined. This study showed different nontuberculous mycobacteria to be highly resistant to rifampin and isoniazid. Resistance to other drugs was species-dependent.