Mycobacteria (other than M. tuberculosis) sensitivity testing by culture

Which test do we use?

Proportion method on Löwenstein-Jensen medium.

Standard analysis is restricted to:

• Mycobacterium avium : clarithromycin
• Mycobacterium kansasii : rifampicin and ethambutol

Sampling instructions

Possible on positive cultures.

Storage conditions

The samples are preferably kept at room temperature or specific incubation temperature.
The samples can be sent at room temperature.

Important advice

• These sensitivity tests are only performed upon request.
• Pure cultures are essential for drug-susceptibility testing. Confirmation of the acid fast character of the observed culture is advisable.
• To send cultures on solid medium, the fluid has to be aseptically removed from the tubes.