Runyon classification

Runyon classification

(run'yŏn),

a classification scheme for mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis that divides species into four categories: photochromogens, species that produce a yellow to brown carotene pigment when grown in the presence of light; scotochromogens, which produce pigment in presence or absence of light; nonpigmented, which do not produce pigment; and rapid growers, which grow on solid media in 5-10 days rather than 4-8 weeks. This classification has no clinical or genetic significance but does remain of limited value in identification of some clinical isolates.

Run·yon clas·si·fi·ca·tion

(rŭn'yŏn klas'i-fi-kā'shŭn)

A classification scheme for mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis that divides species into four categories: 1) photochromogens, which produce a yellow-to-brown carotene pigment when grown in the presence of light; 2) scotochromogens, which produce pigment in the presence or absence of light; 3) nonpigmented, which do not produce pigment; and 4) rapid growers, which grow on solid media in 5-10 days rather than 4-8 weeks. This classification has no clinical or genetic significance but remains of limited value in identification of some clinical isolates.

Runyon,

Ernest H., 20th century U.S. microbiologist.

Runyon classification - mycobacteria classification. Synonym(s): Runyon group

Runyon group - Synonym(s): Runyon classification

Runyon classification

an older system of classification of mycobacteria, based on growth rate, morphology of colonies and pigmentation.