Question

In broth does M. phlei grow in suspension

Answer 1

Mycobacterium phlei is an aerobic acid fact mycobacteria. They grow well 7H9 basic liquid medium where the only sources of carbon were glutamate and citrate, and sources of nitrogen were glutamate and ammonium. The Mycobacteria grow in undisturbed sediment of this medium. Within 1 week of incubation, thin surface pellicle and a small amount of floccular sediment is seen in culture of Mycobacteria in 7H9 liquid broth. The pellet sediments after 3 weeks and become muccoid after 6 weeks. The medium below the pellicle is clear. Hence, its growth is affected if there is continuous fast agitation as oxygen is too high.