Recommended transport medium for stool specimen suspected to contain enteric pathogens is -a) Arnie’s medium b) Buffered glycerol saline mediumc) MacConkey mediumd) Stuart’s medium
**Core Concept**
The question tests knowledge of appropriate transport media for preserving stool specimens suspected to contain enteric pathogens, which are bacteria that cause intestinal infections. **Enteric pathogens** include organisms like Salmonella, Shigella, and Vibrio. The correct transport medium is crucial for maintaining the viability of these pathogens during transport to the laboratory.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **Buffered glycerol saline medium**, which is used for transporting stool specimens suspected to contain enteric pathogens. This medium helps in preserving the viability of the organisms by providing an isotonic environment and protecting them from dehydration. It is particularly useful for the transportation of stool samples that may contain Shigella or Salmonella species.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Arnie's medium is not a standard transport medium for enteric pathogens.
**Option C:** MacConkey medium is a selective agar used for the isolation of gram-negative bacteria, not a transport medium.
**Option D:** Stuart's medium is used for transporting swab specimens, particularly for the isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's crucial to use the appropriate transport medium to ensure the survival of enteric pathogens, as improper transport can lead to false-negative results.
**Correct Answer:** B. Buffered glycerol saline medium