Performance of the BACTEC MGIT 960 compared with solid media for detection of Mycobacterium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Controlled trials have demonstrated that liquid media culture (LMC) is superior to solid media culture for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), but there is limited evidence about its performance in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the performance of LMC in a demonstration project in Bangkok, Thailand. Sputum specimens from persons with suspected or clinically diagnosed tuberculosis were inoculated in parallel on solid (Lowenstein-Jensen [LJ]) and liquid (mycobacterial growth indicator tube [MGIT 960]) media. Biochemical tests identified isolates as MTB or nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM). Of 2566 specimens received from October 2004 to September 2006, 1355 (53%) were culture positive by MGIT compared with 1013 (39%) by LJ. Median time to growth for MGIT was significantly less than LJ: 11 versus 27 days. Of 1417 isolates detected by at least 1 media, 1255 (86%) were identified as MTB and 162 (11%) NTM. MGIT improved speed and sensitivity of MTB isolation and drug susceptibility testing, regardless of HIV status.
Srisuwanvilai
La-Ong
LO
Health Laboratory Division, Department of Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Health Administration, Bangkok, Thailand 10330.
Monkongdee
Patama
P
Podewils
Laura Jean
LJ
Ngamlert
Keerataya
K
Pobkeeree
Vallerut
V
Puripokai
Panitchaya
P
Kanjanamongkolsiri
Photjanart
P
Subhachaturas
Wonchat
W
Akarasewi
Pasakorn
P
Wells
Charles D
CD
Tappero
Jordan W
JW
Varma
Jay K
JK
D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003470:Culture Media; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000378:metabolism; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013183:Sputum / Q000382:microbiology; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
D003470:Culture Media