Enrichment media for cholera ?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of enrichment media used for the isolation and cultivation of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera. Enrichment media are specialized culture media that allow the growth of specific microorganisms, often by providing a nutrient-rich environment that supports their growth.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **C. Alkaline Peptone Water**. Alkaline Peptone Water is an enrichment medium specifically designed for the isolation of Vibrio cholerae from clinical and environmental samples. It contains peptones, which provide a source of nitrogen and carbon, and sodium bicarbonate, which raises the pH of the medium to an alkaline range that favors the growth of Vibrio species. This medium is commonly used in clinical laboratories to isolate Vibrio cholerae from stool samples.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** **Bismuth Sulfite Agar** is a selective medium used for the isolation of Salmonella species, not Vibrio cholerae.
**Option B:** **Mannitol Salt Agar** is a selective medium used for the isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, not Vibrio cholerae.
**Option D:** **Eosin Methylene Blue Agar** is a selective medium used for the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria, but it is not specifically designed for Vibrio cholerae.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When culturing Vibrio cholerae, it's essential to use a sterile swab or loop to avoid contaminating the sample, as this can lead to false-negative results. Additionally, the use of alkaline peptone water as an enrichment medium can help to increase the sensitivity of Vibrio cholerae detection.
**Correct Answer: C. Alkaline Peptone Water**