Which of the following statements is true regarding Mycobacterium fortuitum?

Which of the following statements is true regarding Mycobacterium fortuitum?

• A. It cannot be contracted by healthy individuals.
• B. It is always harmful and infectious.
• C. It is usually harmless and found in water.
• D. It is a virus that spreads easily.

Answer: (C)

Mycobacterium fortuitum is indeed usually harmless and is commonly found in various environmental sources, particularly in water. This organism is part of the non-tuberculous mycobacteria group and can be naturally present in soil, dust, and water sources, including tap water and hot tubs. While it has the potential to cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or open wounds, it is generally not pathogenic to healthy people. Hence, this characteristic underlines the truth behind the statement regarding its usual harmlessness and environmental presence. It’s important to understand that while Mycobacterium fortuitum can lead to infections, it does so primarily under specific conditions rather than posing a widespread risk to healthy individuals.

Mycobacterium fortuitum is indeed usually harmless and is commonly found in various environmental sources, particularly in water. This organism is part of the non-tuberculous mycobacteria group and can be naturally present in soil, dust, and water sources, including tap water and hot tubs. While it has the potential to cause infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or open wounds, it is generally not pathogenic to healthy people. Hence, this characteristic underlines the truth behind the statement regarding its usual harmlessness and environmental presence. It’s important to understand that while Mycobacterium fortuitum can lead to infections, it does so primarily under specific conditions rather than posing a widespread risk to healthy individuals.