Audit of scope and culture techniques applied to samples for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis by hospital laboratories in England and Wales

This audit examines the ability of English and Welsh laboratories to diagnose Mycobacterium bovis infection. All 164 clinical laboratories submitting samples to the PHLS Mycobacterium Reference Unit and Regional Centres for Mycobacteriology were surveyed. Twenty per cent of responding centres did not use a pyruvate-containing medium or incubate for the minimum recommended period of 8 weeks. This study demonstrates the potential for the underdiagnosis of M. bovis infection in England and Wales. Possible reasons for underdiagnosis are discussed together with strategies to optimize recovery of M. bovis.