Mycobacterium kansasii

Mycobacterium kansasii is a bacterium which belongs to the same family as the organisms which cause tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI; M. avium and M. intracellulare). In people with damaged immune systems, such as a CD4 cell count below 100 cells/mm3, it can cause lung problems, and can occasionally spread to other parts of the body.

M. kansasii is a common opportunistic infection in southern Africa miners with HIV infection. Its incidence is unknown in other groups in southern Africa, and has not been reported in other parts of the world. M. kansasii is not transmitted from person to person, but is believed to be acquired from contaminated water sources.

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