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A cluster of Mycobacterium gordonae isolates from bronchoscopy specimens
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 1979
Summary
A green dye used in bronchoscopy was contaminated with Mycobacterium gordonae, leading to false positives for tuberculosis. This highlights the importance of checking reagents to prevent misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium gordonae is a non-pathogenic mycobacterium.
- Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears are used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Contamination of clinical specimens can lead to misdiagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of Mycobacterium gordonae contamination in bronchoscopy specimens.
- To determine the clinical significance of Mycobacterium gordonae recovery during bronchoscopy.
- To identify potential sources of false-positive acid-fast bacilli smears.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 52 patients with Mycobacterium gordonae isolated from bronchoscopy suction specimens over 2.5 years.
- Correlation of isolates with the performing physician and procedures.
- Microbiological culture of topical anesthetic dye used during bronchoscopy.
Main Results:
- 52 patients had Mycobacterium gordonae recovered from bronchoscopy specimens.
- Almost all isolates were linked to a single physician who used a specific green dye in topical anesthesia.
- Cultures of the green dye yielded Mycobacterium gordonae, identifying it as the contaminant source.
Conclusions:
- Contamination of topical anesthetic dye with Mycobacterium gordonae can cause false-positive acid-fast bacilli smears.
- This contamination may lead to an initial inappropriate diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Strict quality control of reagents used in diagnostic procedures is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis.