Cord factor detection and macroscopic evaluation of mycobacterial colonies: an efficient combined screening test for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on solid media

Abstract

The presumptive identification of M. tuberculosis using the macroscopic evaluation of colonies combined with cord factor detection under microscopy is a simple, rapid and inexpensive test. We recommend the combined screening test to rapidly identify M. tuberculosis in resource-poor settings and in less well-equipped laboratories while awaiting a definite identification by molecular or biochemical methods.