Mycobacterium chimaera is a species of the phylum actinobacteria (Gram-positive bacteria with high guanine and cytosine content, one of the dominant phyla of all bacteria), belonging to the genus mycobacterium and part of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Type strain: strain FI-01069 = CCUG 50989 = CIP 107892 = DSM 44623.Etymology: L. fem. n. chimaera, the chimaera, the mythological being made up of parts of three different animals, referring to the apparent mix of genetic features characterizing the strains.