Biochemical identification of mycobacteria – nitrate reduction test: Which Mycobacterium species is classically nitrate-reduction positive and therefore helps differentiate it from closely related species during laboratory identification?

Introduction / Context:
The nitrate reduction test is a classic biochemical assay used in mycobacterial identification. It is especially useful for distinguishing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from other members of the M. tuberculosis complex and from non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Selecting the correct nitrate-positive species is a key step in algorithmic identification.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Nitrate reduction evaluates the ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis is classically positive; Mycobacterium bovis is negative.
• Many rapid-growing NTMs vary, but common exam focus is M. tuberculosis positivity.

Concept / Approach:
In standard diagnostic workflows, a nitrate-positive result strongly supports Mycobacterium tuberculosis when correlated with other phenotypic features (e.g., slow growth, niacin test, cord factor). Mycobacterium bovis typically lacks nitrate reductase activity, aiding differentiation within the complex. Mycobacterium chelonae is usually nitrate negative; Mycobacterium avium complex organisms tend to be negative as well. Although some non-tuberculous species can show variable results, the textbook-correct identification target is M. tuberculosis as the nitrate-positive reference.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall nitrate reduction profiles for key species. Eliminate species known to be negative (M. bovis, M. chelonae, many MAC isolates). Select M. tuberculosis as the canonical nitrate-positive species. Integrate with other tests for full speciation in practice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Laboratory manuals and exam references consistently list M. tuberculosis as nitrate-positive and M. bovis as nitrate-negative, forming a common viva question pair.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
M. bovis is nitrate-negative; M. avium is typically negative; M. chelonae is negative; strain variability in some NTM does not override the canonical teaching point.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “all of these” because some rapid growers may reduce nitrate; the reliable exam choice remains M. tuberculosis.

Final Answer:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (positive).