Mycobacterium avium avium

Mycobacterium avium is a species of the phylum Actinobacteria (Gram-positive bacteria with high guanine and cytosine content, one of the dominant phyla of all bacteria), belonging to the genus "Mycobacterium".
The type strain is ATCC 25291 = CCUG 20992 = CIP 104244 = DSM 44156 = NCTC 13034.
The subspecies name "Mycobacterium avium "subsp." avium" Chester 1901 is automatically created by the valid publication of "Mycobacterium avium "subsp." paratuberculosis" (Bergey et al. 1923) and the valid publication of "Mycobacterium avium "subsp." silvaticum" Thorel et al. 1990.
Based on differences in IS1245 RFLP, 16S-23S rDNA ITS and growth temperature, Mijs et al. 2002 propose to reserve the designation "Mycobacterium avium "subsp." avium" for bird-type isolates. These authors suggest, but do not formally propose, the designation ""Mycobacterium avium "subsp." hominissuis"" for the isolates from humans and pigs.
Epidemiology.
Present mainly in cattle and humans with an immunocompromised disorder, e.g. AIDS, it is transmitted to man by drinking unpasteurized cow milk. Pigs are susceptible to "M. avium avium ", "M. bovis", and "M. tuberculosis", with "M. avium" being most common. Lesions are typically lymphoid, gastrointestinal, or rapidly progressive disseminated forms. Intradermal testing is the diagnostic test of choice. Isolation of purified protein derivatives is useful for "M. bovis" and "M. tuberculosis". However, cross-reaction between "M. avium avium, M. tuberculosis," or "M. avium paratuberculosis" is a disadvantage.
Dogs, cats, deer, mink, cattle, birds (serotypes 1, 2, and 3) and some cold-blooded animals are all also susceptible to "M. avium".
False-negative tuberculin tests are common in dogs. Radiographs and a thorough history are useful in diagnosis. Affected dogs should be euthanized because of public health concerns.
References.
J.P. Euzéby: List of Prokaryotic Names with Standing in Nomenclature - genus "Mycobacterium"