Isolate Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis with Thermo Scientific™ Remel Thayer Martin Agar Improved
Johnston introduced a medium to grow N
gonorrhoeae in 24 hours 1 and this was the advent of GC Agar Base
Thayer and Martin formulated a selective medium to isolate N
gonorrhoeae and N
meningitidis that contained antibiotics capable of supressing the commensal microbial flora present in the anal canal, vagina, pharynx and other sites 2
Martin and Lewis recommended the use of anisomycin to replace nystatin and increase the shelf life of the media 3
Various studies have demonstrated improved recovery for pathogenic Neisseria spp
using selective media 4-6
Thayer-Martin agar Improved is a selective medium used for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrheae and N
meningitidis from specimens containing a mixed flora of bacteria and/or fungi
Thayer Martin Agar Improved contains hemoglobin, which provides the X factor (hemin), and GCHI Enrichment, which provides the V factor, vitamins, amino acids, coenzymes, and dextrose
Initially the antibiotics ristocetin and polymyxin B were used and replaced with vancomycin, colistimethate, and nystatin 7
Ready to use – Convenience of prepared medium
Selective media – Anisomycin suppresses Candida albicans
Colistin inhibits most gram-negative microorganisms, including Pseudomonas spp
Vancomycin inhibits gram-positive cocci
Trimethoprim lactate suppresses swarming of Proteus spp
The tablet provided in the JEMBEC™ and Pill Pocket systems, when coming into contact with the water vapor present in the medium, liberates carbon dioxide into the enclosed pack
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Remel™ and Oxoid™ products are now part of the Thermo Scientific brand.