Abstract.
In order to improve the recovery of mycobacteria from patients with cystic fibrosis, the present study evaluated a two-step decontamination procedure for clinical specimens. A total of 920 specimens obtained from 239 patients with cystic fibrosis were treated initially with N-acetyl-L-cysteine/sodium hydroxide. Of these specimens, 31 (3.3%) showed mycobacterial growth and 415 (45.1%) remained contaminated. Contaminated specimens were then subjected to a second round of decontamination, using a combination of N-acetyl-L-cysteine/sodium hydroxide and oxalic acid. Following this second decontamination, the number of specimens overgrown by microorganisms other than mycobacteria was reduced to 7.3%, and an additional 10 specimens positive for mycobacteria were found. The results suggest this two-step protocol could improve the recovery of mycobacteria from heavily contaminated specimens.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bange, .FC., Böttger, .E. Improved Decontamination Method for Recovering Mycobacteria from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 21, 546–548 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-002-0760-y
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-002-0760-y