Culture medium used for entamoeba histolytica –
**Core Concept**
Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis in humans. The diagnosis of E. histolytica infection often relies on the isolation of the organism from stool samples using a specific culture medium. This culture medium should support the growth of E. histolytica while inhibiting the growth of other bacteria and protozoa.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The culture medium used for E. histolytica is a specialized agar medium that contains low concentrations of bile salts and a pH indicator. The bile salts inhibit the growth of bacteria, while the pH indicator helps to detect the growth of E. histolytica, which produces a characteristic color change as it grows. This medium is specifically designed to support the growth of E. histolytica while suppressing the growth of other microorganisms.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specify a culture medium that is specifically designed for E. histolytica. Other culture media may support the growth of E. histolytica, but they may not provide the same level of specificity and selectivity as the correct medium.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a commonly used culture medium for E. histolytica. While it may be used for other types of bacterial or fungal cultures, it is not the medium of choice for E. histolytica.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not a culture medium at all. It may be a type of agar or a component of a culture medium, but it is not a complete culture medium that can support the growth of E. histolytica on its own.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One key point to remember when it comes to the culture medium for E. histolytica is that it should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as stool microscopy and antigen detection, to confirm the diagnosis of amoebiasis.
**Correct Answer: D. Robinson's medium**