Campylobacter Agar Base (Blood Free) 1129 Condalab

Campylobacter Agar Base Blood Free (CCDA) is a modified formula described by Bolton et al., as replacing blood by charcoal, sodium pyruvate and ferrous sulphate. This medium supports the growth of most enteric Campylobacter. The medium is recommended for use by ISO 10272 on the selective isolation of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and thermophilic Campylobacter, in foods and in clinical and non-clinical specimens. Campylobacter is considered the main cause of enteric illnesses. Campylobacter spp. can cause mild to severe diarrhoea, with loose, watery stools frequently followed by bloody diarrhoea. These pathogens are very infective and are transmitted by contaminated food or water.

The medium contains ferrous sulphate, sodium pyruvate and charcoal to promote the growth of Campylobacter species, as they quench the toxic forms of oxygen (hydrogen peroxide) increasing the aerotolerance and enabling the oxygen sensitive strains to be readily isolated. Sodium deoxycholate partially or completely inhibits Gram positive organisms, coliforms, and Proteus. Enzymatic digest of animal tissue and casein, and beef extract provide nitrogen, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids essential for growth. Bacteriological agar is the solidifying agent. Cefoperazone increases selectivity and inhibits the growth of Gram-negative enteric bacilli and some Gram-positive species, whilst Amphotericin B suppresses yeasts and fungi growth. The increment of temperature has shown an increase in selectivity.