Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) often confounds the interpretation of skin test in tuberculosis diagnosis, resulting in false-positive reaction. And, NTM are emerging pathogens that cause opportunistic infections in both humans and animals. The prevalence of NTM on human disease has been well investigated, whereas that of NTM on animal disease is not well established in Korea. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of NTM on cattle, which did not have symptoms of tuberculosis disease. A total of 426 isolates were collected in Korean native cattle and dairy cattle from 2007 to 2010. The most frequently isolated organisms were Mycobacterium peregrimum (n=5, 28%), Mycobacterium fortuitum (n=3, 17%), Mycobacterium intracellulare (n=2, 11%), Mycobacterium phlei (n=1, 5.6%), Mycobacterium terrae (n=1, 5.6%), Mycobacterium llatzerense (n=1, 5.6%), and Norcadia spp. (n=1, 5.6%). It seems to be necessary to further study the prevalence of NTM on environment (water, soil, feces) as well as animals.

• 장영부(국립수의과학검역원) | Young-Boo Jang (National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service)
• 김평희(국립수의과학검역원) | Ryung Hee Kim (National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service)
• 김재명(국립수의과학검역원) | Jae Myung Kim (National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service)
• 정석찬(국립수의과학검역원) | Suk Chan Jung (National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service)
• 구복경(국립수의과학검역원) | Bok Kyung Ku (National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service) Correspondence