Liofilchem® Campylobacter Agar Base

Liofilchem® Campylobacter Agar Base is a nutrient-rich selective agar medium used for the isolation and differentiation of Campylobacter species, particularly C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. fetus, from clinical, food, and environmental samples.

This versatile basal medium can be supplemented with specific antibiotic and growth additives—such as Campylobacter Growth Supplement (ref. 81050) and one of the selective antibiotic formulations (Blaser Wang, Skirrow, or Preston Supplements)—to tailor selectivity for specific diagnostic or food testing applications.

When combined with defibrinated sheep blood or lysed horse blood, it provides optimal growth conditions for Campylobacter spp. under microaerophilic incubation at 42 °C.

Key Features

• Basal formulation adaptable for Blaser Wang, Skirrow, or Preston selective media.
• Supports rapid and reliable recovery of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli.
• Balanced nutrients from peptones, liver digest, and yeast extract promote vigorous growth.
• Customizable selectivity by pairing with specific antibiotic supplements.
• Validated under ISO and AOAC reference methodologies.
• Ideal for clinical diagnostics, food safety, and veterinary microbiology.

Typical Formula (per litre)

Compatible Supplements

Campylobacter Growth Supplement (ref. 81050)

• Sodium Pyruvate – 125 mg
• Sodium Metabisulphite – 125 mg
• Ferrous Sulphate – 125 mg
  (per vial, sufficient for 500 mL of medium)

Campylobacter Blaser Wang Supplement (ref. 81051)

• Polymyxin B – 1,250 IU
• Trimethoprim – 2.5 mg
• Amphotericin B – 1.0 mg
• Cephalothin – 7.5 mg
• Vancomycin – 5.0 mg
  (per vial, sufficient for 500 mL of medium)

Campylobacter Skirrow Supplement (ref. 81055)

• Polymyxin B – 1,250 IU
• Trimethoprim – 2.5 mg
• Vancomycin – 5.0 mg
  (per vial, sufficient for 500 mL of medium)

Campylobacter Preston Supplement (ref. 81004)

• Polymyxin B – 2,500 IU
• Trimethoprim – 5.0 mg
• Cycloheximide – 50.0 mg
• Rifampicin – 5.0 mg
  (per vial, sufficient for 500 mL of medium)

Preparation

1. Suspend 42.5 g of Campylobacter Agar Base powder in 1 L of distilled or deionized water.
2. Heat gently with stirring until completely dissolved.
3. Autoclave at 121 °C for 15 minutes.
4. Cool to 45–50 °C before supplementing.

For Blaser Wang Medium

• Add 5–7% defibrinated sheep blood.
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Growth Supplement (ref. 81050).
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Blaser Wang Supplement (ref. 81051).

For Skirrow Medium

• Add 5% lysed horse blood.
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Growth Supplement (ref. 81050).
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Skirrow Supplement (ref. 81055).

For Preston Medium

• Add 5% lysed horse blood.
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Growth Supplement (ref. 81050).
• Add 2 vials of Campylobacter Preston Supplement (ref. 81004).

Mix well and pour into sterile Petri dishes under aseptic conditions.

Technique

• Inoculate plates with clinical or food samples using streak or filtration method.
• Incubate at 42 ± 1 °C for 48 hours under microaerophilic conditions (5–10% O₂, 10% CO₂).
• Examine plates for gray, moist, spreading colonies characteristic of Campylobacter spp.

Quality Control

Dehydrated medium: beige, homogeneous powder

Prepared medium: slightly opalescent, amber

Storage and Stability

• Store dehydrated medium at 10–30 °C, tightly closed and dry.
• Store prepared plates at 2–8 °C, protected from light.
• Shelf life: 4 years (dehydrated).
• Discard if signs of contamination or deterioration are evident.

Safety and Handling

• For in vitro diagnostic use only.
• Contains ingredients of biological origin—use aseptic techniques.
• Handle under BSL-2 conditions when culturing Campylobacter spp.
• Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling instructions.
• Dispose of used materials in compliance with local biosafety regulations.

Ordering Information

Liofilchem® Campylobacter Agar Base is a robust and flexible culture medium that, when supplemented appropriately, provides optimal conditions for the selective isolation and identification of Campylobacter spp. Its versatility in supporting multiple supplement formulations (Blaser Wang, Skirrow, and Preston) allows laboratories to adapt the selectivity according to sample type and testing requirements, ensuring consistent and reliable recovery of these fastidious pathogens from clinical, food, and environmental sources.