[Utilization of butanols by disease-associated Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare classified by DNA probe test and relationship with their ability to grow at 45 degrees C].

Utilization of n-butanol and iso-butanol by Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare classified by DNA probe test (20 strains each) was studied. The majority (14 strains) of M. avium could grow at 45 degrees C, but none of M. intracellulare grew at the same temperature. All M. avium and the majority of M. intracellulare (80%) utilized n-butanol but failed to utilize iso-butanol. Therefore, the utilization test of butanols is inadequate for classification of these species.