Learning objectives:

• Describe general microbiological characteristics of mycobacteria and how they differ from other bacteria
• Review different staining methods that are used to microscopically visualize mycobacteria
• Understand which specimen types may be used for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infection
• Know how mycobacteria are cultured, including unique processing and safety requirements
• Determine how mycobacteria are identified using phenotypic and molecular methods
• Identify uses and limitations of immunological and antigen tests
• Summarize antimicrobial susceptibility testing of mycobacteria