ABSTRACT
Mycobacteria are nonmotile, rod-shaped bacilli, characterized by an extremely lipid-rich cell wall comprising mycolic acids. The newly proposed reallocation risks to cause confusion among clinicians and clinical microbiologists, while not being beneficial for the patient. The clinical importance of mycobacteria cannot be overemphasized, especially for members of the MTBc, M. leprae, M. ulcerans , and some opportunistic NTM in specific vulnerable populations. Mycobacterial species different from MTBC are grouped as NTM, also referred to as atypical or anonymous mycobacteria, or mycobacteria other than tuberculosis. The disease begins as a painless nodule, but if left untreated, can progress to a debilitating skin ulcer or osteomyelitis, and can lead to permanent disfigurement and long-term disability. Like most of the other slowly growing opportunistic pathogenic NTM, this species causes pulmonary disease, with various presentations. Mycobacterium marinum was first observed in 1926 causing infections in saltwater fish in the Philadelphia aquarium.
