Construction of Composite Correlation Index Matrix and Analysis of Cultural Properties of Representatives of Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.

Background: Microbiological diagnosis of mycobacteriosis is often difficult, as it is necessary to differentiate between transient colonization and active infection.

Methods: We studied the cultural properties of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSc) strains obtained from cystic fibrosis patients, and also analyzed composite correlation index (CCI) values in patients with repeated MABSc inoculation and their correlation with the presence of clinical and radiological manifestations of mycobacteriosis.

Results: As a result, MABSc more often grew in S-form colonies in patients without clinical manifestations of chronic infection, while R-form colonies were characteristic of patients with chronic infection and clinical symptoms.