BCYE medium is used to culture ?
**Core Concept**
BCYE medium is a type of selective agar used for the isolation and cultivation of certain fastidious bacteria, particularly those that require cysteine, vitamin B, and elevated CO2 levels for growth. This medium is specifically designed to support the growth of bacteria that are difficult to culture on standard agar plates.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Legionella pneumophila, which is a fastidious bacterium that requires a specific environment for growth. BCYE medium provides the necessary nutrients, including cysteine, iron, and vitamin B, as well as an elevated CO2 level, to support the growth of L. pneumophila. This bacterium is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia that can be severe and life-threatening.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Escherichia coli - This bacterium is a common inhabitant of the human gut and can be cultured on standard agar plates, making BCYE medium unnecessary.
**Option B:** Staphylococcus aureus - While S. aureus is a fastidious bacterium, it can be cultured on standard agar plates and does not require the specific nutrients provided by BCYE medium.
**Option C:** Pseudomonas aeruginosa - While P. aeruginosa is a fastidious bacterium, it can be cultured on standard agar plates and does not require the specific nutrients provided by BCYE medium.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that Legionella pneumophila is a highly infectious bacterium that can cause severe pneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. It is often associated with contaminated water systems, such as hot tubs and air conditioning units.
**Correct Answer:** D.