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Investigating the Effects of Probiotics on Pneumococcal Colonization Using an In Vitro Adherence Assay
Published on: April 28, 2014
In vitro growth of pneumococcal isolates representing 23 different serotypes
Hans-Christian Slotved1, Catherine Satzke
1Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. hcs@ssi.dk
BMC Research Notes
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Culture amplification for pneumococcal carriage studies can alter the growth of different Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. Optimal media selection is crucial to minimize growth differences, but caution is advised for some applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Established methods for pneumococcal carriage studies exist.
- Recent studies incorporate culture amplification before identification or serotyping.
- Limited data compare the growth of different Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the in vitro growth of individual Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
- To evaluate the impact of different broth media on pneumococcal growth.
- To inform the application of culture amplification in carriage studies.
Main Methods:
- Compared growth of 23 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in serum broth and Todd-Hewitt broth from four manufacturers.
- Incubated low inocula overnight.
- Assessed final growth densities.
Main Results:
- Observed differences in final growth densities among individual Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
- Growth differences were minimized using optimal media.
- Variability in growth was noted across different broth manufacturers.
Conclusions:
- Broth culture amplification may not be suitable for all applications in pneumococcal carriage studies.
- Serotype-specific growth characteristics can influence study outcomes.
- Careful selection of culture media is essential.
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