Detection of Mycobacterium Gilvum First Time from the Bathing Water of Leprosy Patient from Purulia, West Bengal

Introduction: Mycobacterium gilvum is a fast grower with smooth growth having pale yellow colour. This strain was first isolated from the sediment of the Grand Calumet River in North-western Indiana based on its ability to utilize pyrene, a toxic polycyclic hydrocarbon, as a growth substrate. Methods: The identification and characterization of this isolate was done by various conventional and molecular tests including 16S rDNA sequencing. Sequencing of the nearly complete 16S rRNA gene revealed a unique organism M.glivum, distantly related to M.vaccae group. Blast results showed similarity of these sequences with M.gilvum. Conclusion: Results might shed further light and its association with amoeba in the leprosy endemic area of this rare Mycobacterium species.