Evaluation of a new culture medium for isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria from environmental water samples

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are waterborne pathogens commonly found in building water systems where they a primary concern to vulnerable patient populations and can cause severe disease. The recovery of NTM from environmental samples be laborious undertaking current pre-treatment methods selective media lack sensitivity. We explored the use highly Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) medium for culturing compared existing methods. In total, 223 samples, including potable non-potable water, were cultured using three culture media. addition direct on RGM medium, each sample was Middlebrook 7H10 Mitchison 7H11 after with 0.2M KCl-HCl. Additionally, 33 distinct species inoculated onto parallel directly compare their growth. alone without provided sensitivity (91%) comparable that offered by both acid pretreatment (combined sensitivity; 86%) significantly less overgrowth interference other organisms medium. average concentration observed or greater than either combined. Thirty-three examined all tested strains 27 these successfully grew 19 21 CDC’s healthcare-associated infections list. successful at recovering pre-treatment, greatly reducing labor materials required process samples. Simplification processing will allow better assessment presence potential reduced exposure susceptible populations.