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Table 2 Clinically significant NTM (pulmonary and extra-pulmonary) isolates and their distribution among patients according to specimen type

From: Identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical specimens at a tertiary care hospital: a cross-sectional study

Specimen/number of specimens

Specimen AFB smear

NTM isolated

Pulmonary isolates

Sputum/2

Numerous AFB

M. fortuitum

Sputum/1

Moderate AFB

M. mucogenicum

Sputum/2

Few AFB

M. smegmatis

Sputum/4

Numerous AFB

MAC

Sputum/1

Numerous AFB

SGM

Sputum/1

Numerous AFB

SGM

Sputum/1

Numerous AFB

MAC

Sputum/1

Negative

SGM

BAL/1

Numerous AFB

SGM

Sputum/1

Few AFB

SGM

Sputum/2

Few AFB

MAC

Sputum/1

Negative

MAC

Extra-pulmonary isolates

Pus/2

Negative

M. mucogenicum

Pus/2

Negative

M. chelonae/abscessus

Synovial fluid, synovium & granulation tissue/3

Negative

M. fortuitum

Lymph node pus/1

Numerous AFB

MAC

Pus/1

Negative

MAC

  1. NTM, non-tuberculous mycobacteria; MAC, Mycobacterium avium complex; AFB, acid fast bacilli; BAL, bronchoalveolar lavage; SGM, slow growing mycobacteria.