A comparison of thiosulphate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar and thiosulphate-chloride-iodide (TCI) agar for the isolation of Vibrio species from estuarine environments.

Authors :: Pfeffer C
Oliver JD
Source :: Letters in applied microbiology [Lett Appl Microbiol] 2003; Vol. 36 (3), pp. 150-1.
Publication Year :: 2003
Abstract: Aims: The purpose of this study was to compare a recently described medium, thiosulphate-chloride-iodide (TCI), for the isolation of estuarine vibrios with thiosulphate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS).<br />Methods: A total of 492 colonies which developed on these media from estuarine water samples taken monthly over a 10-month period were examined.<br />Results: A much larger number of colonies developed on TCBS than TCI, and minimal taxonomic criteria indicated that a higher percentage (61%) of TCBS colonies could be identified as Vibrio spp. when compared with TCI (46%).<br />Significance: This study suggests that TCBS is a superior medium when compared with TCI for the isolation of Vibrio spp. from estuarine waters. Because of the public health risk presented by V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and other vibrios, the selection of the most appropriate medium for their isolation is extremely important.

Subjects :: Agar chemistry
Bile Acids and Salts chemistry
Chlorides chemistry
Citric Acid chemistry
Colony Count, Microbial
Ecosystem
Indicators and Reagents
Iodides chemistry
North Carolina
Seawater microbiology
Sensitivity and Specificity
Sucrose chemistry
Thiosulfates chemistry
Vibrio genetics
Vibrio growth & development
Culture Media chemistry
Vibrio isolation & purification
Water Microbiology

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