Isolation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria from Bovine Raw Lungs Bought in Butchers' Shops.

Nontuberculous (NTM) can cause opportunistic disease in animals and humans, causing mycobacteriosis. In this study, bovine lungs were collected from butchers' shops and slaughterhouses after food official's inspection from the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires. All samples were cultured and then identified by molecular methods. Twelve isolates of NTM were identified being the most prevalent . This demonstrates that viable can pass food inspection and contaminate surfaces and food, making manipulation of raw organs and feeding of animals with raw lungs a potential source of infection for pets and owners.