Microbiology · Bacteriology

Which of the following selective culture media is used for the primary isolation of Vibrio cholerae from stool samples?

  • A Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile salts-Sucrose (TCBS) agar
  • B MacConkey agar
  • C Hektoen Enteric (HE) agar
  • D Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar
Correct answer: A. Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile salts-Sucrose (TCBS) agar

Explanation

TCBS agar is the selective medium of choice for Vibrio cholerae; the organism grows as large yellow colonies (due to sucrose fermentation) on this medium, which inhibits most other intestinal commensals. MacConkey agar is used for Enterobacteriaceae. HE and XLD agars are selective-differential media primarily used for Salmonella and Shigella isolation from stool. The alkaline (pH 8.6) peptone water enrichment broth is also used for Vibrio.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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