Pathogenesis of Mycobacteria (human infection) - Unknown source: (I must
make a note of where I find these things)
"The number of mycobacteria required to establish an infection is extremely
low. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an obligate pathogen, can establish
infection with as few as one to ten bacteria. Compare this to the one
hundred thousand bacteria required to establish a Salmonella infection. This
indicates that the immune system can be very unsuccessful at combating these
organisms. When pathogenic mycobacteria enter the body, they are very
successful at evading the body's defences. Their waxy coat helps to protect
them against the high acidity of the stomach. The surfactant (soap-like)
qualities of bile salts are not powerful enough to wash away their waxy
coat. Also, they are not susceptible to the anti-biotic chemicals produced
by the normal flora."
I don't know if the above would apply for the species of mycobacteria that
infect our fishes that you might swallow when do a waterchange?
Adrian.
Adrian R. Tappin
Brisbane, Australia.
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm