The Study of the Prevalence of Atypical Mycobacteria in Egypt.

摘要

Atypical mycobacteria involved in pulmonary and other human diseases produce a disease which simulates tuberculosis and is very much like it clinically; by culture, however, they show several differentiating characteristics. These mycobacteria differ from virulent tubercle bacilli in morphology, pigmentation, and, notably, in lacking the characteristic pathogenicity for certain animal species. Many produce self healing lesions in various organs. Few strains may be slightly pathogenic to guinea pigs. The author has examined the properties and significance of a collection of strains of these organisms collected from all over Egypt. Most strains were isolated from patients with symptoms and findings simulating tuberculosis as well as from patients suffering from actual tuberculosis. They grow in pure culture or together with virulent tubercle bacilli.