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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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AFB Culture, Gram Stain, Sputum Culture Showed Mycobacterium Avium, Rare Epithelial Cell, Heavy Growth Normal Flora Respectively. Meaning?

Hi - I had a AFB Culture, Gram Stain and Sputum culture done - Final test revealed - 1.Sputum Culture Heavy Growth Normal Respiratory Flora 2. Gram Stain - Rare epithelial cell, few gram positive cocci 3. AFB Culture Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex Appreciate if you can explain what does it mean and if it s a case to worry. Thanks
Wed, 12 Sep 2012
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Dear friend, welcome to HCM!

The gram stain and sputum culture is normal for it shows only normally resident bacterial growth which is normal.

Worry is about the growth of MAIS complex growth, which atypical tuberculosis bacteria and are absolutely abnormal to have.
It indicates infection with Mycobacteria (TB bacteria).
Please see your physician or a pulmonologist for a detailed evaluation and correlating this culture finding with the clinical picture.
Also need to look for any lowered immunity state.
I hope Xray chest and other relevent tests are done.

Take care and please keep me informed of your progress.
Good Luck!
I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily.
Thank you!
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AFB Culture, Gram Stain, Sputum Culture Showed Mycobacterium Avium, Rare Epithelial Cell, Heavy Growth Normal Flora Respectively. Meaning?

Dear friend, welcome to HCM! The gram stain and sputum culture is normal for it shows only normally resident bacterial growth which is normal. Worry is about the growth of MAIS complex growth, which atypical tuberculosis bacteria and are absolutely abnormal to have. It indicates infection with Mycobacteria (TB bacteria). Please see your physician or a pulmonologist for a detailed evaluation and correlating this culture finding with the clinical picture. Also need to look for any lowered immunity state. I hope Xray chest and other relevent tests are done. Take care and please keep me informed of your progress. Good Luck! I hope to have answered your query satisfactorily. Thank you!