The presence of environmental mycobacteria was studied in drinking water supply systems in Olomouc Country, Czech Republic, in order to detect the possible spread of M. kansasii from the neighbouring region in Ostrava County. Drinking water samples from water supply systems of 16 identical localities were investigated. The samples of running water, and tap swabs or tap scrapings were collected twice a year, in the spring and in the autumn. The most common cultivated and identified species were M. gordonae (20.4%), M. flavescens (13.8%), rapidly growing mycobacteria (5.0%) and then by occasional identification of M. fortuitum, M. terrae, M. scrofulaceum. M. kansasii was not detected. The prevalence rates showed no time trend over the period 1984-1989. We conclude that there is no evidence at present that endemic M. kansasii, isolated repeatedly from the environment in the Ostrava neighbouring region, has spread to Olomouc County.

Department of Preventive Medicine Medical School Palacky University Olomouc Czech Republic

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