MUELLER TELLURITE AGAR BASE

Description

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, non-motile bacteria. It is the etiological agent for diphtheria. Many species of Corynebacteria can be isolated from various places such as soil, water, blood, and human skin. Pathogenic strains of Corynebacteria can infect plants, animals, or humans. Though humans are now the only known reservoir for the disease. The bacterium is generally found in temperate zones but may also be found in other parts of the world. Various tellurite media such as Mcleods, Hoyles, or CTBA have been used for isolation and differentiation of C. diphtheria. Mueller Tellurite Agar has been recommended for isolation, cultivation and differentiation of C. diphtheria. Potassium tellurite in the medium inhibits the growth of most of the normal flora of the upper respiratory tract allowing C. diphtheriae and other saprophytic Corynebacteria to grow.