Superior Isolation of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria, Including Mycobacterium abscessus Complex, From Lung Transplant Patients Using RGM Medium Compared With Traditional AFB Culture

Early detection of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC) is crucial for patients with chronic lung disease to enhance the opportunity for potential eradication. Colonisation with MABSC is an absolute contra indication to lung transplantation in many transplant centres. Isolation of MABSC and other non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) by traditional AFB culture is problematic, particularly from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Cultures are frequently overgrown by other bacteria or fungi and sputum decontamination procedures can reduce the viability of NTM.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Source Type: research