Isolation and identification non-tuberculous mycobacteria from presumptive tuberculosis patients

This study is aimed at providing early and accurate detection of NTM from isolated mycobacterium by using routine biochemical tests. In the laboratory, specimen were processed by modified Petroff”s and cultured in a pair of Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) medium and MGIT culture, samples were processed by NALC - NaOH method, and inoculated in MGIT culture tube. The LJ medium were incubated at 37°C for 8 weeks and LJ slopes were examined daily for one weak and then every week for colonies of acid fast bacilli (AFB). Once the growth appeared, it was confirmed by Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Mycobacterium isolates were identified by batteries of biochemical tests.