Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose agar (TCBS) contains bile salts and sucrose, which can precipitate and clog the autoclave system. Autoclaving TCBS may result in the agar solidifying and becoming difficult to pour into plates, compromising the quality of the medium. It is recommended to sterilize TCBS by filtration instead.
Vibrio vulnificus is typically cultured in a selective medium like thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar, which inhibits the growth of other bacteria and allows for the selective growth of Vibrio species based on their ability to ferment sucrose and produce yellow colonies.
Bacillus subtilis is not typically able to grow on TCBS (Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile Salts-Sucrose) agar, as this medium is specifically designed for the isolation of Vibrio species, particularly Vibrio cholerae. TCBS agar contains high concentrations of bile salts and a high pH, which inhibit the growth of many non-Vibrio bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis. Therefore, while some bacteria may tolerate the conditions, Bacillus subtilis is generally not expected to thrive on this medium.
Thiosulfate-citrate-bile-salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar is non-autoclaveable primarily due to the presence of bile salts, which can be hydrolyzed or degraded by high heat and pressure during autoclaving. Autoclaving can also negatively affect the selective properties of the medium, rendering it less effective for isolating specific microorganisms, such as Vibrio species. Instead, TCBS agar is usually prepared using sterile techniques that do not involve high heat, ensuring the integrity of its components.
Two media that include elevated concentrations of sodium chloride for preventing growth of most bacteria are mannitol salt agar and Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile Salts-Sucrose (TCBS) agar. These media are selective for certain types of bacteria, such as Staphylococcus species in the case of mannitol salt agar, and Vibrio species in the case of TCBS agar.
MacConkey agar: Selective for Gram-negative bacteria, inhibits the growth of Gram-positive bacteria. Hektoen enteric agar: Selective for Gram-negative enteric pathogens, such as Salmonella and Shigella species. Thiosulfate-citrate-bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar: Selective for Vibrio species, especially Vibrio cholerae. Cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin (CIN) agar: Selective for Yersinia species.