Introduction M.abscessus complex (Mab) are Rapid Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) that can cause severe infection. Prevalence is increasing and a recent study using whole genome sequencing showed cross infection between Cystic Fibrosis patients. Frequent surveillance for Mab infection may allow earlier diagnosis and prevent spread.

Automated broth (e.g. MGIT), is a sensitive rapid method for mycobacterial culture. Decontamination is needed to kill other bacteria and yeasts before culturing CF sputa in MGIT, but decontamination may reduce Mab numbers.

Other possibilities include chlorhexidine decontamination which yields more Mab but is incompatible with MGIT. Some mycobacteria grow directly from sputum on Burkholderia cepacia selective agar (Bcc) after extended incubation, without prior decontamination.

The aim of this study was to improve Mab culture from CF sputum.

Methods We compared MGIT culture of CF sputa with extended incubation of Bcc used in the routine laboratory. We compared growth of 30 known Mab on 3 formulations of Bcc and 2 Middlebrooke selective agars. We took 12 sputa from 9 CF patients with Mab infection and compared MGIT with culture on selective agars or chlorhexidine decontamination followed by culture onto non selective agar. Mycobacteria were identified by the National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory and an in house PCR.

Results Eighteen of 515 CF sputa grew RGM (9 on Bcc agar and MGIT, 3 MGIT alone, 4 Bcc alone and 2 on Bcc with no MGIT culture). Contamination with other bacteria and fungi made it extremely difficult to see RGM on the routine Bcc.

Thirty sequenced M.abscessus abscessus, M.bolletii and M. massilliense all grew on the 3 commercial Bcc and 2 Middlebrooke agars.

One Bcc and one Middlebrooke agar successfully cultured RGM from all 12 sputa with fewest contaminants. Chlorhexidine decontamination and blood agar was effective but labour-intensive. Only 8 of 12 MGIT cultures grew RGM.

There was no difference in time to positive culture between agar and MGIT.

Conclusion Culture onto selective agar may be more sensitive than MGIT. It is quantitative and provides pure culture for identification, typing and susceptibility testing.

This may be a sensitive cost-effective way to screen sputa from patients at risk.