Selective Medium for Hydrogen Sulfide Production by Salmonellae

Abstract

Triple Sugar Iron Agar does not reveal hydrogen sulfide production by all Salmonella organisms nor does it permit clear-cut separation of those nonsalmonellae which produce H(2)S. Numerous media with varied combinations of nutrients, inhibitors, selective agents, pH levels, and metal salts were tested for H(2)S production of cultures of Salmonella, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Arizona, Proteus, Providencia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter. An agar medium has been devised which promotes growth and H(2)S production (generally within 6 hr) by Salmonella, Arizona, and Edwardsiella but which inhibits hydrogen sulfide production or growth of all other gram-negative organisms tested (including Citrobacter) or inhibits both. The use of this medium should facilitate the selection and identification of Salmonella.