Conventional methods for the detection and isolation of Salmonella enteritidis

Conventional methods for the specific isolation of Salmonella enteritidis are scarce. For pre-enrichment, addition of ammonium-iron (III)-citrate, ferrioxamine E and G or novobiocin in combination with cefsoludin to Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) and of ferrous sulphate to Trypticase Soy Broth seems to favour S. enteritidis isolation. As far as selective media are concerned, the use of semi-solid media, and addition of nitrofurantoin, results in higher isolation rates of the S. enteritidis serovar. Addition of 0.0015% nitrofurantoin to semi-solid DIASALM is so far the only successful combination reported. Addition of 0.0015% nitrofurantoin to solid media, in this case to XLD, is also reported. Use of a semi-solid medium, preferably DIASALM + 0.0015% nitrofurantoin, in addition to the selective media routinely used is recommended.