Selectively and differentially isolate and identify staphylococci from clinical and non-clinical samples using Thermo Scientific™ Remel™ Mannitol Salt Agar
This phenol red mannitol agar contains 7.5% sodium chloride as a selective agent as reported by Koch in 1942 1
Most strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci grow on this agar, producing yellow zones because of mannitol fermentation whereas coagulase-negative staphylococci strains produce small colonies with no color change in the surrounding medium
Staphylococci are widespread in nature, although they are mainly found on the skin, skin glands and mucous membranes of mammals and birds
The coagulase-positive species i.e., Staphylococcus aureus is well documented as a human opportunistic pathogen
The ability to clot plasma continues to be the most widely used and accepted criterion for the identification of pathogenic staphylococci associated with acute infections 2
Mannitol Salt Agar is a selective and differential solid media for isolating staphylococci bacteria by using their capability to ferment mannitol by the production of coagulase enzyme
Easy to differentiate : Differentiates between coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci
Selective : Sodium chloride in the concentration of 7.5% inhibits many bacteria other than staphylococci
This medium contains peptones and beef extract, which supply nitrogen, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential for growth
The 7.5% concentration of sodium chloride results in the partial or complete inhibition of bacterial organisms other than staphylococci
Sodium chloride also supplies essential electrolytes for transport and osmotic balance
Mannitol is the fermentable carbohydrate, fermentation of which leads to acid production, detected by phenol red indicator, and aids in the differentiation of staphylococcal species
Coagulase positive staphylococci produce yellow colonies and a surrounding yellow medium while coagulase negative staphylococci produce red colonies and no color change of the phenol red indicator
Agar is the solidifying agent
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