Identification of mycobacteria by conventional methods.

The methodology and use of the conventional tests employed in the identification of the currently recognized human mycobacterial pathogens are reviewed. The common disease presentations of each species are briefly noted. Tabular summaries of the phenotypic characteristics of these organisms have also been provided. It should be re-emphasized that the use of conventional methods, unlike the rapid methods now available, is not recommended for the initial identification of the M. tuberculosis complex. We also urge caution in the identification of unfamiliar or atypical isolates. It is to be expected that additional species of human mycobacterial pathogens will be characterized in the future; many of these may be represented by isolates that differ phenotypically little, if at all, from species currently recognized.