Acid fast bacteria (AFB)

Mycobacterium is called Acid fast bacteria (AFB):

Classification of Mycobacterium:

[A] Species always considered pathogens in humans:

1)      Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Causes tuberculosis in humans.

2)      Mycobacterium bovis: Causes tuberculosis in humans and cattle, spreads to many by cow’s milk.

3)      Mycobacterium leprae: Causes leprosy in humans.

[B] Atypical Mycobacteria: Opportunist pathogens in humans. Classification in to four groups:

1)      Photochromogens.

2)      Scotochromogens.

3)      Nonchromogens.

4)      Rapid growers.

[C] Saprophytic Mycobacterium: Not associated with human disease. E.g. M. Smegmatis, M.Phlei.