Quantitative analyses of mycobacteria in water: adapting methods in clinical laboratories

J Microbiol Methods. 2011 Oct;87(1):114-5. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.07.006. Epub 2011 Jul 23.

Abstract

An outbreak of occupational hot tub lung necessitated quantitative analysis of mycobacteria in water samples. We combined procedures for cultivation of mycobacteria in urine and quantitative analyses of dialysis water. Whirlpool spa water samples were analyzed showing promising results. In conclusion, quantitative mycobacterial culture of water is possible by adapting methods routinely used in clinical laboratories.

MeSH terms

  • Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / microbiology
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Culture Media
  • Health Resorts
  • Mycobacterium avium / classification
  • Mycobacterium avium / growth & development*
  • Occupational Diseases / microbiology
  • Urine / microbiology
  • Water Microbiology*

Substances

  • Culture Media