Cost-effectiveness of blood agar for isolation of mycobacteria.

摘要: Background Mycobacterium species are grown using specific media that increase laboratory cost, thus hampering their diffusion in resource-limited countries. Preliminary data suggested versatile blood agar may be also used for mycobacterial culture. Methodology We examined the growth of 41 different Mycobacterium on 5% agar. Over a 24-month period we analysed isolation mycobacteria after parallel inoculation clinical specimens into both reference automated system (BACTEC 9000 MB broth) and slant tubes, NaOH decontamination, compared cost performing 1,000 analyses these two techniques. Conclusions cultured agar, with exception ulcerans. Inoculation 1,634 yielded 95 isolates. Blood performed significantly more efficiently than BACTEC broth (94 vs 88 isolates, P = 0.03). Decontamination Candida albicans 5 by addition amphotericin B one M. tuberculosis isolate could not isolated broth. Uneven distribution time to culture positivity had median (range) 19±5 days 26±6 Cost France was estimated 1,913 euros method 8,990 method. should regarded as first-line medium culturing species. It saves time, is cost-effective, sensitive than, at least rapid This particular importance countries which prevalence high.