Heat is a very important factor in Mycobacteriosis apparently - My
impression is that each species (which of course is specific to a group of
hosts) has an optimum temperature range for reproduction and growth.
Mycob. species that usually affect fish and turtles which are cold-blooded
animals are not generally suited to the warmer temperatures of the core of
the human body so tend to persist in lesions in the limbs which are cooler
being more peripheral.
This contrasts with the species from birds and cattle which cause active and
more generalised disease in humans because of the warm-blooded temperature
ranges they prefer.
I think that the effect of temperature can act at two levels at least - on
the invading organism and on the host animal. Too hot or too cold could be
significant on both in my opinion. In the good old days people with TB were
sent to the mountains to recuperate so that at least partly supports your
contention Adrian :-)
Regards,
Bruce.
Bruce Hansen, A.N.G.F.A., Advancing Australian Aquatics.
Bruce Hansen, ANGFA, caring for our aquatic ecosystems.
Please visit us at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~fisher/angfa.htm
----- Original Message -----
From: Adrian Tappin <atappin at ecn.net.au>
To: <rainbowfish at pcug.org.au>
Sent: Monday, 30 August 1999 5:37
Subject: Re: [RML] 'myxobacteriosis'
> >It's important to remember that mycobacteria are not specific for fishes.
> >Any animal living in the environment where mycobacteria are found are
> >subject to mycobacterial infections.
> An interesting note on Mycobacteria is the recent infection of a number of
> aquarists here in Brisbane over the last 12 months. It might be a sign
that
> this disease is becoming more common than we think. I think our own
resident
> Medico has treated a couple of cases - is that so Bruce?
>
> I still believe that heat is the governing factor in a fish outbreak :-)