Question

A female presented with curdy white discharge. Sample microscopy showed a budding yeast cell with pseudohyphae. Which medium is used to differentiate the species of the causative organism?

• A. Bird seed agar
• B. Chrome agar
• C. SDA
• D. PDA

Hint:

Chrome agar is useful for identifying and differentiating Candida species based on colony color changes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question involves identifying the medium used for differentiating species of yeast, particularly in a medical scenario where a female patient presents with curdy white discharge. The microscopy indicates the presence of budding yeast cells with pseudohyphae, which is indicative of a Candida species infection.

Among the options provided, the focus is on one that allows for differentiation at the species level:

1. Bird seed agar: This medium is primarily used for isolating Cryptococcus neoformans, which produces melanin and gives a characteristic brown color on this medium. It is not typically used for differentiating Candida species.
2. Chrome agar: Chromogenic agar is designed specifically for differentiating between various Candida species. It's commonly used owing to its ability to show different colors for different Candida species, thus aiding in precise identification.
3. SDA (Sabouraud Dextrose Agar): This is a general-purpose medium used for the cultivation of fungi, including yeasts and molds. Although it supports growth, it does not differentiate between species.
4. PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar): Like SDA, this is a general-purpose medium used for fungi and yeast growth but does not aid in species differentiation.

Conclusion: The correct choice for differentiating Candida species is = Chrome agar. It is specifically formulated to show different colors for different species, allowing for easy identification and differentiation.