Effect of pyridine extraction on the acid fastness of mycobacteria.

Abstract

The effect of pyridine extraction on mycobacterial acid-fastness has been studied using M. leprae and some cultivable mycobacteria. The results revealed that not only M. leprae but some other mycobacteria, notably, M. vaccae and M. phlei also lose their acid-fastness when extracted with fresh pyridine for 2 hours at room temperature. The implication of these findings is discussed.