Abstract
A new biphasic system (MB Check, Roche) for isolation of mycobacteria from clinical specimens was evaluated by eight different microbiological laboratories in comparison with methods routinely used in the respective laboratories. Altogether 1125 clinical specimens were processed; pretreatment, if performed, was by a variety of methods. Mycobacteria were recovered from 167 specimens with the biphasic system and 165 specimens with the other methods. The average time required for isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was 22.6 days with the biphasic system and 24.7 days with egg-based media; for other mycobacterial species it was 23.5 versus 20.8 days. The inclusion of a chocolate agar section in the biphasic system facilitated the early detection of contaminants, while the NAP-containing section appeared unable to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis from other mycobacterial species. The biphasic system, which enables recovery of mycobacteria in small laboratories without specialized equipment, is more practical than conventional methods and at least as sensitive.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
