Lipid chromatography and seroagglutination in the classification of rapidly growing mycobacteria.

Rapidly growing, nonchromogenic, opportunist (atypical) mycobacteria were divided into six groups by analysis of their lipids by thin layer chromatography on silica gel and by seroagglutination tests. Four of the groups were identified with entities described as Mycobacterium fortuitum, M. peregrinum, M. abscessus, and M. borstelense, but it is recommended that the last should be considered a variety of M. abscessus. The fifth and sixth groups were not homogenous and did not correspond with accepted species of mycobacteria. Biochemical data were available for many of the strains but were far less effective in classification.