Selective medium for Pseudomonas:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common Gram-negative bacterium. I remember that Pseudomonas often requires specific nutrients and can be inhibited by certain substances. For example, I think there's a medium that uses a selective agent like cetrimide. Cetrimide is a quaternary ammonium compound that inhibits many other bacteria but allows Pseudomonas to grow. Oh right, Cetrimide Agar is used for this. It also contains other components like peptic digest of animal tissue and agar, but the key selective agent is cetrimide.
Wait, other options might include things like MacConkey Agar, which is for Gram-negative rods but selects for lactose fermenters. That's for differentiating between lactose fermenting and non-fermenting bacteria, so not specific for Pseudomonas. Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar is another differential medium for Gram-negative, but again, not selective for Pseudomonas. Blood agar is a general-purpose medium, not selective. So the correct answer must be Cetrimide Agar.
Let me double-check. Cetrimide Agar is indeed the selective medium for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The other options (like MacConkey or EMB) are for different purposes. So the answer is C. Cetrimide Agar.
**Core Concept**
Selective media inhibit the growth of most organisms while allowing specific microbes to thrive. *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* requires media containing agents like cetrimide to suppress competing flora.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Cetrimide Agar selectively supports *Pseudomonas* growth by incorporating cetrimide, a quaternary ammonium compound that inhibits Gram-positive bacteria and other Gram-negative rods. *Pseudomonas* species, including *P. aeruginosa*, possess enzymes to metabolize cetrimide, enabling their growth. The medium also contains peptic digest and agar to provide nutrients, forming a selective and differential environment.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** MacConkey Agar selects for lactose-fermenting Gram-negatives (e.g., *E. coli*), not *Pseudomonas*.
**Option B:** Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar differentiates lactose fermenters and non-fermenters but inhibits *Pseudomonas* due to its dyes.
**Option D:** Blood Agar is a general-purpose medium lacking selective agents, allowing overgrowth by non-target organisms.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember: *Cetrimide Agar* is the gold standard for isolating *P. aeruginosa* from clinical specimens like sputum or wound swabs. Avoid using non-selective media for suspected *Pseudomonas* infections to prevent overgrowth by normal flora.
**Correct Answer: C. Cetrimide Agar**