**Core Concept**
Campylobacter jejuni is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that is a common cause of gastroenteritis, characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. To isolate Campylobacter species from stool specimens, a specific culture medium and technique are required due to their fastidious growth requirements.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The method of choice for the culture of Campylobacter jejuni from stool specimens involves using a selective medium such as Campylobacter Blood Agar (CBA) or Skirrow's medium. These media contain antibiotics and supplements to inhibit the growth of other bacteria and promote the growth of Campylobacter species. The stool specimen is then incubated at 42°C (temperature of human gut) in a microaerobic atmosphere (5% O2, 10% CO2, and 85% N2) to simulate the conditions of the human gut. This technique is essential for the isolation and identification of Campylobacter jejuni from stool specimens.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Blood agar is not the method of choice for Campylobacter jejuni culture because it lacks selective agents and supplements required for the growth of Campylobacter species.
**Option B:** MacConkey agar is a selective medium for Gram-negative bacteria, but it is not suitable for the culture of Campylobacter jejuni due to its inability to inhibit the growth of other Gram-negative bacteria.
**Option C:** Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar is a selective medium for Gram-negative bacteria, but it is not the method of choice for Campylobacter jejuni culture due to its inability to inhibit the growth of other Gram-negative bacteria and its poor ability to support the growth of Campylobacter species.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The importance of using selective media and microaerobic conditions for the culture of Campylobacter jejuni cannot be overstated, as these conditions are critical for the isolation and identification of this fastidious bacterium.
**Correct Answer:** C. Skirrow's medium.
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