Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease Following Hot Tub Exposure
Author Information
Author(s): Ellen J. Mangione, Gwen Huitt, Dennis Lenaway, James Beebe, Ann Bailey, Mary Figoski, Michael P. Rau, Kurt D. Albrecht, Mitchell A. Yakrus
Primary Institution: Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Hypothesis
Is exposure to hot tubs a risk factor for nontuberculous mycobacterial disease?
Conclusion
Nontuberculous mycobacteria from a hot tub likely caused pulmonary disease in a family of five.
Supporting Evidence
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly recognized as a cause of disease in healthy individuals.
- MAC was isolated from both the patients and the hot tub water.
- Environmental sources of NTM have been linked to disease in previous studies.
Takeaway
A family got sick after using a hot tub, and doctors found germs in the water that made them ill.
Methodology
The study involved an investigation of a cluster of pulmonary disease cases in a family, with environmental sampling and laboratory analysis of clinical specimens.
Limitations
The source of the mycobacteria was not definitively identified, and the study relied on retrospective analysis.
Participant Demographics
The participants included a family of five, with ages ranging from 9 to 46 years.
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