Candida Medium, 5 kg

Candida is a genus of yeasts responsible for infections such as osopharyngeal candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis and candidemia. Candida Medium is used for the selective cultivation and differentiation of Candida species . Candida Medium was originally developed by Nickerson (1). It is also used for processing and inoculation of specimens like tissues, skin scrapping, nails and hair (2, 3). Mycological peptone in the medium provides essential nitrogenous nutrients while dextrose acts as carbon source and phosphate maintains buffering action of medium. This medium also contains sodium sulphite, which is reduced by Candida species to form sulphide. Bismuth in the medium combines with the sulphide to produce brown to black pigmented colonies and zones of dark precipitate in the medium surrounding the colonies of some species. Bismuth sulphite also acts as an inhibitor of bacterial growth. Selectivity of medium is increased by incorporation of penicillin and streptomycin in the medium, which helps to suppress the growth of many bacteria. Differentiation of Candida is based on the growth patterns and pigmentation of isolated colonies. Storage and Shelf-life: Store below 30°C in tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 2-8°C. Use before expiry date on the label. References: 1. Nickerson, 1953, J. Infect. Dis., 93:43. 2. Haley, Trandel and Coyle, 1980, Cumitech 11, Practical Methods for Culture and Identification Of Fungi In The Clinical Mycology Laboratory, Coord Ed., Sherris, ASM, Washington, D.C. 3. Emmons, Binford, Utz and Kwon-Chung, 1977, Medical Mycology, 3rd Ed. , W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia.