Objectives: To assess the predictive value of in vitro drug susceptibility testing (DST) in slow-growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), knowledge on quantitative levels of drug susceptibility should be available. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of the MGIT 960/TB eXiST system for quantitative DST of NTM.
Methods: We have assessed quantitative levels of drug susceptibility for clinical isolates of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare and Mycobacterium kansasii by comparing radiometric Bactec 460TB-based DST with non-radiometric DST using MGIT 960/TB eXiST.
Results: MGIT 960/TB eXiST gives results comparable to those of Bactec 460TB.
Conclusions: The MGIT 960/TB eXiST appears suitable for quantitative DST of NTM.