Experience with Mycobacterium haemophilum in Australia, 1977-2003

Abstract

Mycobacterium haemophilum is a fastidious microorganism that requires X-factor (haemoglobin or haemin) or ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and only grows around 30-32°C. Since it was first described in 1978 there have been 104 isolations in Australia up to 2003 and the Australian Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory Network (AMRLN) have collected strains and associated epidemiological information. This review looks at this information and laboratory isolation media and practices used to recover M. haemophilum in Australia. Some important recommendations are made.