Oxoid Introduces New Medium

Some clinical samples may contain low levels of the bacterium. Pre-enrichment in Alkaline Peptone Water allows Vibrio species to grow to detectable levels prior to presumptive identification and plating on a suitable culture medium, such as TCBS (thiosulfate, citrate, bile salts, sucrose) or blood agar. The 2% sodium choride in Alkaline Peptone Water promotes the growth of V cholerae, while its alkalinity inhibits most unwanted background flora.

The new medium is from Oxoid Limited (Basingstoke, UK). It can be used for direct microscopic examination of samples using the "Hanging Drop” method. Suspended samples are examined under a microscope for darting motility characteristic of Vibrio species. Immobilization of the cells on addition of V cholerae antiserum provides a presumptive identification.

Oxoid's Alkaline Peptone Water complies with the formulation recommended for the isolation of Vibrio species in recognized international standards. Twelve species of Vibrio have been incriminated in gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal diseases in man, the most important of which is Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae O1 can survive on a variety of foodstuffs for up to five days at ambient temperatures and for up to 10 days at 5-10o C. It can also survive freezing. Disease is spread through contaminated water and food. Consumption of raw, improperly cooked or cooked recontaminated shellfish may lead to infection.




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