nontuberculous mycobacteria
mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis or M. bovis. They are divided into four groups (Runyon groups) based on pigmentation and rate of growth, each containing several species. Group I includes slow-growing photochromogens; group II slow-growing scotochromogens; group III slow-growing nonphotochromogens; and group IV rapidly growing mycobacteria. Called also anonymous or atypical mycobacteria.
Medical dictionary.
2011.