Mycobacterium gordonae

MICROBIOLOGY

  • Slow-growing long acid-fast bacillus (AFB), non-tubercular mycobacteria (NTM).
    • Growth on Löwenstein-Jensen media or Middlebrook 7H10 agar is typically seen > 7 days at 37ºC, although 25ºC is optimal.
      • It will not grow if ethambutol (1 mg/L) or INH (10 mg/L plus normal saline present.
    • Scotochromogenic (smooth yellow to orange colonial formation, Fig) if growing in the presence of light.
    • Old classification: Runyon Group 2.
  • Ubiquitous; the reservoir is water (natural and tap) and soil. Often referred to as the "tap water bacillus."
    • Also described in pools, unpasteurized milk, healthy human secretions
  • Growth usually takes three weeks or more at 37°C.

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Last updated: January 23, 2023