Identification of mycobacteria strains isolated in our laboratory 1972-1975

111 (3,34%) acid-fast bacteria were found by direct, and 128 (3.86%) acid-fast bacteria by homogenisation methods, in 3315 specimens sent to the tuberculosis laboratory of our institute from various clinics of Gülhane Military Medical Academy, between October 11, 1972 and December 31, 1975. It was found that there was no great difference between the direct and the homogenisation methods, provided that these tests are carried out with great care. After the isolation of 128 mycobacteria from 3315 specimens by culturing in Löwenstein-Jensen medium they were typed by niacin, nitrate reduction, catalase, and peroxydase reactions. It was found that 124 out of 128 strains were M. tuberculosis var. bovis, atypical and saprophytic mycobacteria (3.125%).