[Mycobacteria and mycobacterioses].

The genus Mycobacterium harbours a number of significant pathogens. The diagnosis of mycobacterial infections has traditionally relied on microscopical and cultural techniques which were compromised by the slow growth of these microorganisms. More recently, molecular methods suitable for use in diagnostic microbiology have been developed and have been demonstrated to significantly improve both our diagnostic capabilities as well as our understanding of this complex genus of microorganisms.