Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus strain 1135

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus strain 1135 is a rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in chloraminated water, indicating its adaptability to environments treated with disinfectants. This strain possesses true flagella, suggesting a capacity for motility that may enhance its survival and colonization in various habitats. Strain 1135 has a single replicon, which is characteristic of its genomic structure and may influence its replication and genetic stability. This bacterium is known to infect a wide range of hosts, including Homo sapiens (humans), Metazoa (multicellular animals), Aves (birds), Phocidae (seals), Rodentia (rodents), and Panthera leo (lions). Such a diverse host range reflects its ecological versatility and potential for zoonotic transmission. M. abscessus subsp. abscessus strain 1135 is associated with a variety of health effects, particularly serious infections such as endocarditis, peritonitis, and pulmonary diseases. It can cause chronic pulmonary infections, lung infections, and skin infections, alongside more specific conditions like cervical lymphadenitis and non-cavitary pneumonia. The strain is also implicated in peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis and is involved in disseminated diseases that affect both humans and animals. The ecological insight gained from studying this strain highlights its potential role in both environmental and clinical settings. Its presence in chloraminated water suggests that water treatment systems may serve as reservoirs for pathogenic mycobacteria, raising concerns for public health, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Understanding its habitat and pathogenicity can help inform better management practices to mitigate the risks associated with this opportunistic pathogen.