atypical mycobacterium

atypical mycobacterium

Any Mycobacterium species exclusive of M lepra, M tuberculosis or M bovis—the latter two of which cause “typical” tuberculosis. Atypical mycobacteria are so designated because they grow more rapidly, produce heat-stable catalase, do not produce niacin or reduce nitrates, and are usually resistant to isoniazid.

atypical mycobacterium

Any Mycobacterium spp exclusive of M lepra, M tuberculosum, or M bovis–the latter 2 of which cause 'typical' TB; AM are so designated because they grow more rapidly, produce no niacin, don't reduce nitrates, produce heat-stable catalase,and are usually resistant to isoniazid. See Atypical mycobacterial infection, Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.