Mycolic acids of Mycobacterium porcinum

The type strain of Mycobacterium porcinum had a characteristic pattern of α, α'-, and epoxymycolic acids. This pattern of mycolic acids has been found previously only in representatives of M. farcinogenes, M. fortuitum, 'M. peregrinum', M. senegalense, M. smegmatis, and M. chitae. Appropriate methods for qualitative analysis (two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography) are described. It is concluded that information on the mycobacterial mycolates should be included in the description of new mycobacterial species.