Comparison of the RGM medium and the mycobacterial growth indicator tube automated system for isolation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients in Belgium.

Purpose: Pulmonary infections due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are an emerging issue in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Due to bacterial and fungal overgrowth, isolation of mycobacteria from the sputum samples of these patients remains challenging. RGM medium, a novel agar-based culture medium was evaluated for the isolation of NTM from sputum samples of CF patients.