Medium used to isolate M. tuberculosis contains all except ?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of the culture medium used to isolate *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, a slow-growing bacterium that requires specific conditions for growth. The medium is designed to provide a nutrient-rich environment with a suitable pH indicator to monitor the growth of the organism.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
* Lowenstein-Jensen medium, a commonly used medium for culturing *M. tuberculosis*, contains ingredients such as malachite green, hen's egg, glycerol, and other nutrients. The malachite green serves as a pH indicator, and the glycerol provides a source of energy. Hen's egg is added as a source of protein and lipids. Bromothymol blue, on the other hand, is not a component of the Lowenstein-Jensen medium. It is a pH indicator commonly used in other microbiological media, such as Luria-Bertani broth, but not in the Lowenstein-Jensen medium.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Malachite green is indeed a component of the Lowenstein-Jensen medium, serving as a pH indicator.
**Option B:** Hen's egg is also a component of the Lowenstein-Jensen medium, providing essential nutrients for the growth of *M. tuberculosis*.
**Option D:** Glycerol is another essential component of the Lowenstein-Jensen medium, serving as a source of energy for the organism.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The Lowenstein-Jensen medium is a critical tool in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, allowing for the growth of *M. tuberculosis* in a controlled laboratory setting. It is essential to note that the medium requires a prolonged incubation period, often up to 6-8 weeks, due to the slow growth rate of the organism.
**β Correct Answer: C. Bromothymol blue**