Slow-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria whose colonies become pigmented when exposed to light are referred to as

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Species of mycobacteria synthesize carotenoids (a group of pigments that are yellow to red) in varying amounts and are categorized into three groups based on the production of these pigments. The photochromogens are slow-growing NTM whose colonies become pigmented when exposed to light. The scotochromogens are slow-growing NTM whose colonies are pigmented when grown in the dark or the light. The nonphotochromogens are slow-growing NTM whose colonies produce no pigment whether they are grown in the dark or the light.

Slow-Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Whose Colonies Become Pigmented When Exposed to Light