From microscopy centre to culture laboratory: a viable ride for mycobacteria.
METHODS
Culture and drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is required for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Cetylpyridinium chloride-sodium chloride (CPC-NaCl) solution is recommended for the preservation of sputum during transport.


OBJECTIVE
To study the possibility of sputum preservation and transport in CPC-NaCl and its effect on culture.


METHODS
Sputum specimens preserved with CPC-NaCl were transported to the laboratory for culture from remote microscopy centres of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa states, India.


RESULTS
Of the 175 specimens, 140 (80%) yielded mycobacteria, 21 (12%) did not yield any growth, 11 (6.2%) grew contaminants and 3 (1.7%) were lost due to leakage. Culture positivity was greater in specimens stored for 1 week. Culture results from specimens stored for 2 weeks are encouraging.


CONCLUSIONS
The CPC-NaCl preservation technique can be used for effective preservation and transport of
Aparna
S
S
Microbiology Division, Blue Peter Research Centre (LEPRA Society), Hyderabad, India. Aparna@bprc-lepraindia.org
Krishna
Moorthy K V
MK
Gokhale
S
S
D003470:Culture Media; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*
D003470:Culture Media