Optimal growth temperature for the isolation of Plesiomonas shigelloides,using various selective and differential agars.

Abstract

The growth characteristics of known strains of Plesiomonas shigelloides were compared with those of Aeromonas species (the major competing species in environmental waters) on plesiomonas differential agar, inositol brilliant green bile salt, and modified salmonella-shigella agar at incubation temperatures of 37, 42, and 44 degrees C. Using local isolates from clinical and environmental sources, optimal growth conditions, as determined by colony counts and the colony characteristics, plesiomonas differential agar proved to be ideal when incubated at 44 degrees C. Contrary to earlier recommendations for 48 h incubation, the colonies could be recognized readily after an incubation of 24 h.