[Differentiation and identification of mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography of their lipids. I. Application for the classification of rapidly growing mycobacteria (author's transl)].

Experiences with the analysis of mycobacterial lipids by means of thin-layer chromatography are described. The influence of different media used for the cultivation of the strains, the age of cultures and heating of the bacteria on the lipid patterns was investigated. 25 strains of rapid growers belonging to various species were examined by a definite procedure. As the results indicate the lipid analysis allows a differentiation of more species than with the usual culture and enzymatic methods. The conclusions especially for taxonomic problems are discussed.