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Aztreonam selective agar for gram positive bacteria
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Aberdeen Royal Hospitals, NHS Trust, Foresterhill.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Aztreonam agar, a selective medium, enhances isolation of Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus by 17%. This new culture medium speeds up identification and sensitivity testing for staphylococci and streptococci.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Selective culture media are crucial for isolating specific bacteria from mixed flora.
- Traditional media may not efficiently isolate all target Gram-positive aerobic bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel Aztreonam agar as a selective medium for Gram-positive aerobic bacteria.
- To compare its performance against conventional media for various clinical specimens.
Main Methods:
- Aztreonam agar was used for primary isolation of bacteria from skin swabs.
- Results were compared with conventional culture media.
- Identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing were performed on isolated bacteria.
Main Results:
- Aztreonam agar increased Staphylococcus aureus isolation by 17% compared to conventional media.
- The medium yielded purer growths, facilitating faster identification and sensitivity testing of staphylococci and streptococci.
- It supported the growth of all major Gram-positive aerobic pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Aztreonam agar is an effective selective medium for Gram-positive aerobic bacteria.
- It improves the isolation and subsequent analysis of key pathogens from various clinical samples, including those with mixed flora.
- Recommended for use with swabs from ears, burns, ulcers, and sputum from cystic fibrosis patients.