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There are different types of culture media in the microbiology laboratory. These culture media are used for the growth of bacteria.
Different bacteria need different conditions of growth. Some bacteria need aerobic conditions for their growth, while some grow under aerobic conditions.
Different types of culture media in microbiology
The microbiology laboratory has SEVEN types of culture. These media are important for bacteria growth in the micro lab. Each media has a different composition. These media are synthesis according to the need of bacteria. there are seven types of media. Which are listed below.
- Simple media
- Enriched Media
- Selective media
- Indicator media
- Transport Media
- Enrichment Media
- Differential Media
Simple media in microbiology
It is basic culture media in microbiology. All other media are produced by it. These media contain basic nutrients for bacteria growth. Like broth with peptone water. It may or may not contain solidifying agents.
Enriched media definition
- Blood 5-10%
- Serum 10 %
- Acetic acid 10%
- Glucose 1-2%
- Plasma 5-10%
Enriched media examples: Blood agar, Chocolate agar
Selective Media
It is used to isolate a particular pathogen. One important benefit of this media is, it grows only selective
Pathogen and prohibit other pathogens.
Selective culture media Example:
- Pepton Water for Vibrio cholera
- Thiosulphate Citrate Bile Salt agar (TCBS) for Vibrio cholera
- Dexe Chocolate Citrate Agar (DCA) for salmonella and shigella
- BISMUTH SULPHITE AGAR (BSA) for Salmonella
Differential Media in the micro lab
This media is used to differentiate different organisms or pathogens on the base of their colonies. For example presence of lactose in Macconkey agar, it helps in differentiating between lactose and non-lactose organism.
Differential culture media Example:
CLED agar
Enrichment culture Media in microbiology
Sometimes organisms require an enrichment environment for their growth. These media are mostly in liquid naturally. This media also contain some inhabitant for unwanted organisms.
Enrichment culture media examples:
Tetrathionate broth, Selenite F broth. These are an enrichment for salmonella and shigella but inhabit other intestinal organisms.
Transport culture Media in microbiology
This type of media can be semi-solid or solid. It contains certain ingredients which promote the survival of aerobic and anaerobic pathogen and prevents the growth of commensalism.
Transport culture Media examples:
- Cary Blair medium: enteric pathogens
- Amies Transport medium : gonococci
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