Mannitol salt agar

was formulated for the isolation and differentiation of S. aureus ;

the selective agent :sodium chloride in a concentration of 7.5% which prevents the
growth of most , but not all , other bacteria.

It also contains 10 g of mannitol per liter for the detection of mannitol fermentation

Phenol red in the conc of 25 mg per liter is incorporated into the medium as a pH
indicator
Staphylococcus epidermidis source:skin (cultured on Mannitol-Salt Agar)
Propionibacterium acnes is the relatively slow-growing, typically aerotolerant anaerobic, Gram-positive
bacterium (rod) linked to the skin condition of acne (source pimple: cultured on Mannitol Salt agar)

Staphylococcus aureus on Mannitol Salt agar

Blood Agar

a good example of an all-purpose medium , which is both an enriched and differential

medium

can be used to differentiate among some organisms in relation to their actions on the
medium;

several hemolytic reactions can occur (due to hemolysins)

a. Produce incomplete lysis of the RBC with the formation of green zone colonies (alpha-
hemolysis)
 b.Produce complete lysis of RBC with the release of hemoglobin resulting in a clear
colorless zone around the colonies (beta-hemolysis)

c. Produce a hemolytic activity or discoloration around the colonies (gamma hemolysis)

Cetrimide Agar- Composition, Principle, Uses, Preparation and
Colony Morphology
Cetrimide Agar is a selective and differential medium used for the isolation and identification
of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from clinical and non-clinical specimens. Cetrimide is the selective
agent and inhibits most bacteria by acting as a detergent ( Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, a
quaternary ammonium, cationic detergent).

It is also known as Pseudomonas Cetrimide Agar or Pseudosel Agar.

Principle of Cetrimide Agar

Cetrimide Agar is used as a selective medium for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from
pus, sputum and
drains, etc. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces a number of water soluble iron chelators,
including the yellow-green or yellow-brown fluorescent pyoverdin. When pyoverdin combines
with the blue water-soluble pyocyanin, the bright green colour characteristic of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa is created.

Pancreatic digest of gelatin provide necessary nutrients for P. aeruginosa such as nitrogen,
vitamins, and carbon.
The addition of magnesium chloride and potassium sulphate stimulates pyocyanin
and pyoverdin (fluorescein) production.

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (Cetrimide) is the selective agent and inhibits most

bacteria by acting as a detergent. When in contact with bacteria, causes the release of nitrogen
and phosphorous from the bacterial cell other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Glycerol is supplemented as a source of carbon.

Agar is the solidifying agent.

Uses of Cetrimide Agar

1. It is primarily used for the selective isolation and presumptive identification of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
from clinical and nonclinical specimens.
2. It is also used for determining the ability of an organism to produce fluorescein and pyocyanin
(Antibiotica)

Preparation of Cetrimide Agar

1. Add 45.3 gm of the medium in 1 litre of distilled water.

2. Add 10ml of glycerol and boil to dissolve completely.
3. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool the medium to approximately 50C and pour into sterile Petri dishes.

Interpretation of Results on Cetrimide Agar

The presence of growth is indicative of a positive reaction. Examine colonies under short
wavelength (254nm) ultraviolet light for the presence of fluorescein. Visual examination may
also reveal the typical yellow-green to blue color which indicates the production of pyocyanin.
Both pyocyanin and fluorescein are typically produced by strains of P. aeruginosa.

A negative reaction is denoted by no growth.

Colony Morphology on Cetrimide Agar

Quality Control on Cetrimide Agar

Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 Yellow-green to blue colonies.

Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 Partial to complete inhibition. No Pigmentations.