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Detailed information dealing with the ecology of mycobacteria is derived from a variety of different scientific fields such as botany, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology and epidemiology. This is the first attempt to evaluate this information from an ecological point of view and to develop a strategy for the prevention of tuberculosis and other mycobacterioses based on the ecological behavior of mycobacteria, especially the potentially pathogenic species capable of either growth in the environment or provoking disease. Regarding the interests of the developing countries, special attention is paid to the ecology of Mycobacterium leprae and to the supporting effect of accompanying mycobacteria in its pathogenicity.
On a more positive side, environmental mycobacteria play an important role in the ecology of moorland dragonflies.
Such a book is needed for specialists working in the field of mycobacterial research, clinical laboratories, the public health service, food hygiene, the water industry and in general ecology.

The Ecology of Mycobacteria

Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The chronology of mycobacteria and the development of mycobacterial ecology. 3. Classification of mycobacteria with regard to their ecology. 4. Environments providing favourable conditions for the multiplication and spread of mycobacteria. 5. Mycobacteria as habitat microorganisms of sphagnum bog vegetation. 6. Possible convergence towards pathogenicity in environmentally-derived mycobacteria. 8. Allergic reactions provoked by environmental mycobacteria. 9. Is the eradication of mycobacterioses possible? 11. The biological role of mycobacteria in the environment: Mycobacteria as nutrients in the development cycle of moorland dragonflies. 12. Expected future trends in mycobacteria and mycobacterioses. References.