Morphology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

i)                    Usually straight or slightly curved slender rods with rounded ends . Clubbed and swollen forms are seen in culture .

ii)                  Arranged singly or in groups . Branching is rare .

iii)                Average size is 0.3 to 0.5μ in diameter and 1.2 to 4 μin length .

iv)                It’s appearance is granular or beaded .

v)                  Gram positive .

vi)                Non-sporing .

vii)              Non-capsuated .

viii)            Acid-fast .

ix)                Non motile due to absence of flagellum .