Which Mycobacterium species is best differentiated by the rapid hydrolysis of Tween 80?

The species that is best differentiated by the rapid hydrolysis of Tween 80 is Mycobacterium chelonae. This species can rapidly hydrolyze Tween 80, which is a crucial characteristic that distinguishes it from other Mycobacterium species. Tween 80 is a surfactant that some mycobacteria can utilize metabolically, leading to the breakdown of the compound.

Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium gordonae, while capable of hydrolyzing Tween 80, do so at a slower rate compared to M. chelonae. Mycobacterium kansasii, on the other hand, generally does not show significant hydrolytic activity with Tween 80, making it less relevant in this context.

Therefore, the rapid hydrolysis of Tween 80 is a key differentiating factor for Mycobacterium chelonae, confirming its unique metabolic capability within the Mycobacterium genus.