SS Agar

Analysis of Enteric Pathogens Made Easy: A Look into SS Agar

Published: 11th Dec 2023, 15:57

Analysis of Enteric Pathogens Made Easy: A Look into SS Agar

In the world of microbiology, where the fight against tiny yet dangerous organisms never ceases, SS Agar stands out as an exceptional ally. This medium serves as a guiding light for microbiologists and professionals who are seeking to separate and identify the notorious Salmonella and Shigella species from mixed samples. This is an indispensable task in numerous sectors; hence, SS Agar is an indispensable tool for all.

Composition of SS Agar

IngredientsQuantity (Gms/Ltr)
Peptone5.000
Beef extract5.000
Lactose10.000
Bile salts mixture8.500
Sodium citrate10.000
Sodium thiosulphate8.500
Ferric citrate1.000
Brilliant green0.00033
Neutral red0.025
Agar15.000

SS Agar’s composition reads like a symphony of microbial selectivity. Peptone and beef extract provide essential nutrients, while lactose serves as fermentable carbohydrates. Bile salts, brilliant green, and sodium citrate act as gatekeepers, selectively inhibiting gram-positive bacteria and ensuring focused competition for the targeted pathogens.

How does it only cultivate Salmonella and Shigella?

Salmonella Shigella Agar is a specialized culture medium that selectively targets and identifies specific bacterial species. It contains Bile Salts, Sodium Citrate, and Brilliant Green to inhibit the growth of unwanted organisms while allowing Salmonella and Shigella spp. to thrive. The medium also contains essential nutrients such as Beef Extract, Enzymatic Digest of Casein, and Enzymatic Digest of Animal Tissue. Lactose is the carbohydrate present in the medium, while Thiosulfate and Ferric Citrate allow the detection of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is released by Salmonella spp. Neutral red is used to indicate fermentation.

How to check for the growth of these microbes?

OrganismAppearance
SalmonellaColourless with black centres
ShigellaColourless/transparent
Coliforms (e.g., E. coli)Pink

Applications across the industries:

Salmonella Shigella Agar has a wide range of applications in various industries. In the food sector, it is useful for detecting potential pathogens in the packaging and preparation of fresh and canned food. In the pharmaceutical industry, it helps in maintaining quality control of raw materials, production equipment, and finished products. Agriculture can benefit from its ability to identify soil and plant pathogens and detect potential contamination of soil, while clinical diagnostics and veterinary fields rely on its precision in detecting pathogens from fecal and urine samples.

 
At TM Media, we offer a range of SS Agar, including SS Agar Dehydrated Culture Media, SS Agar (Modified), and SS Agar (Veg).

Salmonella Shigella Agar is a standout product that is known for its exceptional quality and reliability. It is widely used in microbiological testing for the detection and enumeration of bacteria.

Salmonella Shigella Agar (Modified) is a variant of the original SS Agar, which has been formulated with lesser bile salts to support the growth of a wider range of microorganisms that are difficult to cultivate and help in detecting enteric as well as other lactose-fermenting bacteria.

Salmonella Shigella Agar (Veg) is a plant-based alternative to traditional SS Agar, which typically contains animal-derived peptones. This innovative product supports a more sustainable approach to microbiological testing.

If you need detailed information on these products features and usage guidelines, click on this link https://www.tmmedia.in/product/ss-agar-salmonella-shigella-agar/

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