All about Mycobacterium simiae in Brief

Introduction Different terms are used to define non-tuberculosis mycobacteria [NTM] including atypical mycobarcteria and mycobacteria other than tuberculosis [MOTT]. However, NTM terminology is the most used name worldwide. NTM, an emerging entity, includes more than 100 species with variable microbiological features, clinical manifestations and significances. Nevertheless, NTM therapy also differs between species. NTMs are rods shaped bacilli similar to Mycobacterium tuberculosis [MTB]. In 1959, Runyon classified these bacteria into four groups according to their ability to form pigment after exposure to light or dark and the rapidity of their growth as well (Table 1) [1]. The majority of human pathogens are slowly grower like M. kansasi, M. marinum, M. avium, M. intracellular, M. simiae [1]. However, M. simiae is the only niacin-positive MOTT, which makes it easily confused with Mycobacterium tuberculosis [2]. M. simiae like other NTM is a ubiquitous organism with huge environmental reservoirs, such as natural and municipal water, soil, aerosols, protozoan, animals, and humans [3]. In 1965, M. simiae was initially isolated from maccacus rhesus monkeys [4]. It was first reported in Israel, Cuba, and south western America and then reports from middle east and Asia identified the presence of this emerging specie [2,5].