title: Characterization of a distinct group of slowly growing mycobacteria by biochemical tests and lipid analyses.
abstract: A group of slowly growing mycobacterial strains (n = 14) isolated from respiratory tract specimens was collected from 1971 to 1990 on the basis of growth characteristics and uncommon biochemical and glycolipid profiles. Growth at 25 to 45 degrees C, a negative Tween 80 hydrolysis test, a strong positive reaction in a 14-day arylsulfatase test, and susceptibility to ethambutol in combination with resistance to cycloserine were important for the initial separation. The strains had a distinctive glycolipid pattern which was unlike those of other mycobacterial species. Analyses of cellular fatty acids by gas-liquid chromatography and mycolic acids by thin-layer chromatography further characterized this homogeneous group of mycobacteria. The presence of 2-eicosanol (2-OH-20:0alc) and hexacosanoic acid (26:0) combined with the lack of 2-docosanol (2-OH-22:0alc) differentiated this group from other slowly growing mycobacteria.
authors.affiliation: Tuberculosis Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brander
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jantzen
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Huttunen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Julkunen
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Katila
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification* / Q000254:growth & development; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000382:microbiology; D013045:Species Specificity
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids