I have Abscessus and I was told by NJH Lab that colonization is like a chocolate chip cookie that has many chips or a few. You definitely want a smaller amount and my NJH doctors told me since my colony count is low ranging 4-12 they don't treat unless I am sick. They said under 50 don't treat and anything above depending on your current condition (coughing, high colony count, etc) they will treat. I hope this helps with the colony count.