[Multiplication of mycobacteria in the gray layer of sphagnum vegetation (author's transl)].

The capillary moisture of the gray layer of the Sphagnum magellanicum ass. contains nutrients for the growth of mycobacteria. Tested in vitro significant multiplication was stated in M. intracellulare, serotyp Davis, M. avium, M. scrofulaceum, M. fortuitum, M. xenopi, M. kansasii, M. borstelense, M. flavescens, M. gaxtri, M. gordonae, M. marinum, M. terrae, M. smegmatis, M. spec. "S" and M. nonchromogenicum (Fig. 1 and 2). There was no evident multiplication in M. phlei, M. triviale, M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and M. ulcerans in vitro. Using the cultivation of mycobacteria in the hollow fibers (pore size 100,000 mol. weight) inserted directly in the gray layer of the Sph. magellanicum ass. a significant growth of all 18 species investigated was stated (the same species as above, excl. M. bovis and M. tuberculosis; Fig. 3). A rapid multiplication was detected also in M. ulcerans. The sphagnum vegetation spreads over all continents. It develops very good under wet conditions surrounding springs and brooklets in the moutain region. Accumulation of solar heat directly under the surface of this vegetation makes possible a temperature 15-28 degrees C higher than the air temperature. In this way favorable conditions for mesophilic mycobacteria arise over an extend period of time. The close contact to water contributes to the wide distribution of mycobacteria.