Deciphering the Diversity and Assemblage Mechanisms of Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Communities in Biofilm and Water within Four Drinking Water Distribution Systems Treated with Different Disinfectants

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pose an escalating global health concern due to their increasing infections worldwide. Drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) are identified as potential source of NTM infections, particularly concerning for immunocompromised individuals. This study employed high-throughput sequencing to thoroughly profile NTM communities in biofilm and bulk water across four DWDSs disinfected with three chlorine-based disinfectants (i.e. free chlorine, chloramine and chlorine dioxide).