Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria: Basic Properties and Methods of Their Cultivation

In recent years, an increase in the incidence of mycobacteriosis was observed. Diagnosis of mycobacteriosis remains extremely difficult, primarily due to the similarity of the clinical and radiological picture with that of tuberculosis. Cultivation of mycobacteria requires an individual approach depending on the type of mycobacteria and the conditions of their cultivation. Coverage and implementation of cultivation methods contribute to increasing the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by mycobacteria. The prevalence of mycobacteriosis, which today represents a serious problem for both clinicians and laboratory specialists, requires the development of a new strategy for their microbiological diagnostics, allowing for rapid detection of drug resistance, identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and the prescription of an adequate chemotherapy regimen, as well as increasing the effectiveness of treatment and preventing the spread of drug-resistant strains of mycobacteria.