Tryptone Tellurite Agar Base

 Principle

• Tryptone tellurite agar base is a selective medium used for the isolation and cultivation of Corynebacterium species. The media is formulated as per the specification stated by the Maryland State, Department of Health as a medium for the isolation of Corynebacterium.
• The tryptone tellurite agar base is composed of the casein enzyme Hydrolysate, a peptic digest of animal tissue, sodium chloride, dextrose, and agar. The casein enzyme Hydrolysate, peptic digest of animal tissue is the source of nitrogen, carbon, and other essential nutrients required for the growth of microorganisms.
• Dextrose is the source of carbon and energy source. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Agar is a solidifying agent. The media is fortified with potassium tellurite and vitamin supplements. The selectivity is enhanced by the presence of inhibitor and differential by means of the ability of an organism to reduce potassium tellurite. Potassium tellurite also acts as a selective agent and inhibits most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria except Corynebacterium species. C. diphtheriae reduces potassium tellurite to tellurium and thereby produces gray-black colored colonies.

 Use: Recommended for the selective isolation and cultivation of pathogenic microorganisms from clinical samples especially from the throat, nose, and vagina, and enumeration of Corynebacterium species.