Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To isolate and identify specific bacterial pathogens from food samples, microbiologists use selective and differential media.
These media contain inhibitors that suppress background microflora while providing nutrients that promote the growth of the target pathogen.
Step 2: Detailed Explation:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic, Gram-negative bacterium commonly associated with foodborne illness from raw or undercooked seafood.
Due to its halophilic (salt-loving) ture, selective enrichment and isolation media must contain elevated sodium chloride concentrations.
• Glucose Salt Teepol Broth (GSTB): This is used as an enrichment broth for Vibrio species. The elevated salt concentration promotes Vibrio growth, while Teepol (a surfactant) acts as a selective agent to inhibit Gram-positive background organisms.
• Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salts Sucrose (TCBS) Agar: This is the standard selective and differential agar for isolating Vibrio species. The high pH (8.6), bile salts, and sodium thiosulfate inhibit Gram-positive bacteria and coliforms. V. parahaemolyticus is sucrose-negative and forms distinctive blue-green colonies on TCBS, differentiating it from sucrose-positive V. cholerae, which forms yellow colonies.
Therefore, these media are used specifically for the detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
Step 3: Fil Answer:
The correct option is (A).