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Journal of Clinical Microbiology logoLink to Journal of Clinical Microbiology
. 1995 Jun;33(6):1548–1550. doi: 10.1128/jcm.33.6.1548-1550.1995

Selective utilization of DNA probes for identification of Mycobacterium species on the basis of cord formation in primary BACTEC 12B cultures.

D A Kaminski 1, D J Hardy 1
PMCID: PMC228212  PMID: 7650183

Abstract

Primary BACTEC 12B cultures with serpentine cords observed in Kinyoun-stained smears were tested with a probe for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, while cultures without cords were tested with a probe for M. avium complex. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of cording for the presumptive identification of M. tuberculosis were 95, 95, 90, and 98%, respectively. With experience, the selection of a probe for testing of primary BACTEC 12B cultures on the basis of cord formation and history of tuberculosis can provide a rapid and reliable approach to the laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis.

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Selected References

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