Optimized Method for Isolation of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria from Hospital Aquatic Sources

Background: Aquatic ecosystems are an important source of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that can cause different diseases in human. Since culture of mycobacteria needs long-term incubation, fast-growing microorganisms and contaminants in the environment usually prevents the isolation of mycobacteria. Here, we compare different treatment protocols and describe a method that increases the recovery and improve the culturability of NTM from aqueous samples.