In an outbreak investigation of cholera, the primary case is identified and the local health authority establishes a 'containment zone'. The bacteriological confirmation of V. cholerae O1 or O139 from stool is based on growth on which selective medium?

• A MacConkey agar
• B Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose (TCBS) agar ✓
• C Desoxycholate Citrate Agar (DCA)
• D Hektoen Enteric Agar

Explanation

TCBS (Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose) agar is the selective medium for Vibrio cholerae. V. cholerae is sucrose-fermenting and produces yellow colonies on TCBS. DCA and MacConkey are used for Salmonella/Shigella isolation; Hektoen Enteric agar is also used for enteric pathogens but not specifically for Vibrio. Alkaline Peptone Water (APW) is used as enrichment broth before TCBS plating.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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