Tsukamurella species

An aerobic gram-positive, nonsporeforming, branching filamentous actinomycete that grows best at temperatures cooler than human body temperature (37oC, 98.6oF). They are found in soil, dust, fresh and marine water, sludge, arthropods, and farm animals. They usually do not cause infections in healthy individuals but are capable of causing infections in immuno-compromised individuals. The organisms are primarily acquired when contaminated dust is inhaled.

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