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In these bogs, fungi compete with mycobacteria to grow within a decomposing "gray layer" that, similarly to lesions found in the lungs of tuberculosis patients, is acidic, nutrient-poor, and oxygen-poor.

In the new proof of principle study, the researchers took a biological approach instead of a chemical one to develop a cocktail of enzymes that attack the cell envelope of mycobacteria.

Among these, nontuberculous mycobacteria infections are notorious for their stubborn resistance to conventional medication and their penchant for afflicting those with existing lung diseases such as bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis.

And other infectious agents, including legionella and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, reside beyond the reaches of the treatment plant – finding hospitable environments in the pipes that distribute water to and within hospitals, hotels, homes and other buildings.

Recent studies attributed the deaths to outbreaks of a parasite and mycobacteria.