[Culture and susceptibility testing of mycobacteria with VersaTREK].
OBJECTIVE
Our laboratory of microbiology use the VersaTREK/ESP Culture System II for the isolation of mycobacteria. In this study, we evaluate this system for the analysis carried out between April 2009 and March 2010.


METHODS
The Myco bottles are supplemented with growth supplements and an antimicrobial agent solution prior to inoculation with the specimen. The technology of the VersaTREK/ESP Culture System II is based on the detection of headspace pressure changes within a sealed bottle. It monitors changes in either gas production or gas consumption due to microbial growth. A special algorithm has been developed for detection of very slow growing mycobacteria. The bottles are incubated during 42 days. Meanwhile a solid medium is inoculated too. All specimen types can be analysed with this system.


RESULTS
Compared to solid culture, the time needed for detection of positive cultures was significantly shorter for the VersaTREK with a good recovery rate. For isolates recovered in both systems, mean time of detection is respectively 19.1 and 35.6 days for liquid and solid cultures. Mycobacteria identification may be determined using nucleic acid probs directly in Myco VersaTREK or in the solid medium. The susceptibility test of Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex is obtained between six and 13 days for rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol, streptomycin and pyrasinamide.


CONCLUSIONS
This system offers a faster diagnosis and is an alternative to other instruments using liquid culture.
Gravet
A
A
Laboratoire de microbiologie, hôpital Emile-Muller, centre hospitalier de Mulhouse, 20, avenue du Docteur-Laennec, 68070 Mulhouse cedex, France. graveta@ch-mulhouse.fr
Souillard
N
N
Habermacher
J
J
Moser
A
A
Lohmann
C
C
Schmitt
F
F
Delarbre
J-M
JM
D000465:Algorithms; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001331:Automation; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003470:Culture Media; D004977:Ethambutol / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000494:pharmacology; D008365:Manometry; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D011718:Pyrazinamide / Q000494:pharmacology; D012293:Rifampin / Q000494:pharmacology; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013307:Streptomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D011718:Pyrazinamide; D004977:Ethambutol; D007538:Isoniazid; D012293:Rifampin; D013307:Streptomycin