title: Selective utilization of DNA probes for identification of Mycobacterium species on the basis of cord formation in primary BACTEC 12B cultures.
abstract: Primary BACTEC 12B cultures with serpentine cords observed in Kinyoun-stained smears were tested with a probe for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, while cultures without cords were tested with a probe for M. avium complex. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of cording for the presumptive identification of M. tuberculosis were 95, 95, 90, and 98%, respectively. With experience, the selection of a probe for testing of primary BACTEC 12B cultures on the basis of cord formation and history of tuberculosis can provide a rapid and reliable approach to the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York 14642-8710, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Kaminski
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hardy
mesh_terms: D000362:Agar; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003470:Culture Media; D015342:DNA Probes; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D015269:Mycobacterium avium Complex / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media; D015342:DNA Probes; D000362:Agar