| abstract |
The present invention provides a method of culture of mycobacteria which comprises culturing the mycobacteria, either in batch or continuous culture, with agitation and in the presence of sufficient detergent so that a substantially homogenous suspension of mycobacterial cells is maintained. According to a preferred method the mycobacteria are grown in continuous culture, at a temperature of 35 °C +/- 10 °C, at a dissolved oxygen tension of at least 1 percent, at a pH of 6.9 +/- 0.9, at a dilution rate of at least 0.02 h-1 and with agitation in the presence of sufficient detergent to maintain a substantially homogenous suspension of single cells. The present invention also provides a growth medium for culture of mycobacteria, comprising a carbon source, a mitogen, trace elements comprising at least Mg, K, P and S, and a nitrogen source. According to a separate aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of culture of a mycobacteriophage, comprising culture of mycobacteria as described above, and contacting said mycobacteria with a mycobacteriophage. |