Water Sanitation Health

Pathogenic mycobacteria in water: A guide to public health consequences, monitoring and management

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Mycobacteria are a large group of microorganisms that inhabit a diverse range of natural environments: some species are capable of infecting humans and animals. Environmental mycobacteria are a frequent cause of infection, and there is a growing body of evidence to show that water is a significant vehicle for the transmission of these organisms. The importance of the Pathogenic Environmental Mycobacteria (PEM), and especially the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), was recognised with the discovery of disseminated infection in immunocompromised people, particularly people with HIV and AIDS. Yet there are many other forms of disease, both minor and serious, that are caused by PEM.

This book provides a comprehensive review of PEM, the different types of disease that they are known to cause, and their distribution in water and other parts of the natural environment. It explores the role of water as a vehicle for the transmission of these pathogens and concludes with a discussion of the issues surrounding the control of PEM in drinking-water and the assessment and management of risks. The book is a valuable resource for sanitary and clinical microbiologists, public health professionals, water resource managers, water engineers, piped public water suppliers, regulators of water quality and facilities managers in medical and commercial buildings

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Publishing and ordering information

Published by IWA Publishing on behalf of the World Health Organization
ISBN 92-4-156259-5 (WHO)
ISBN 1-84339-059-0 (IWA Publishing
© World Health Organization 2004
This book is in english only.

Order No. 11500585
To order a copy, please contact: bookorders@who.int
or order on line

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