Microbiology - Mycobacteriology
Specimens for isolation and identification of all Mycobacterium species (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and other nontuberculous mycobacteria) are accepted from public and private health care providers. Positive isolations or identifications of M. tuberculosis must be reported by the submitter to N.C. Tuberculosis Control, Epidemiology and Communicable Disease in accordance with State Law.
Sputum and specimens from other sources are concentrated and stained with fluorochrome and/or Kinyoun's stain, and are cultured for the isolation and identification of mycobacteria. Fluochrome smears will not be performed on blood or bone marrow. No smear report will be issued. They will be set up for culture. Species identification is accomplished using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), supplemented by nucleic acid probe tests and routine biochemical characterization. Reference specimens for confirmation, identification, and/or susceptibility testing are also accepted. Consultation and bench training are provided upon request.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex is performed on selected samples. (see SCOPE). PCR is designed to supplement, not replace, standard mycobacterial culture for confirmation of diagnosis and the test is not suitable for all samples. It will be performed on undigested primary clinical samples.
All isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex are tested for susceptibility to five primary drugs: streptomycin, isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampin and pyrazinamide. Additional susceptibility testing for resistant strains of M. tuberculosis complex, M. kansasii and M. marinum are available.
Relevant Links:
See also:
- About Microbiology
- Botulism
- Bordetella Pertussis
- Enteric Bacteriology
- Foodborne Illness
- Cholera
- Legionella
- Mycobacteriology
- Mycology
- Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
- Norovirus
- Parasitology
- Special & Atypical Bacteriology
