Mycobacterium heckeshornense

Description

• Slowly growing organism, colonies appear after 4 weeks of growth.
• Able to grow at 37 °C and 45 °C.

• The phylogenetic position of this species is within the cluster defined by M. xenopi and M. botniense.
• Key differentiating features are negative tests for arylsulfatase and pyrazinamidase and susceptibility to antimycobacterial drugs.

  Pathogenesis

• Seems to be pathogenic in immunocompetent humans.
• Biosafety level unknown

  Type strain

• The type strain was isolated from human lung by bronchoscopy.