b-STREPTOCOCCUS SELECTIVE AGAR BASE

The majority of ?-haemolytic streptococci causing infections in man belong to group A and are given the species name of Streptococcus pyogenes. This pathogen causes a variety of inflammatory and suppurative conditions such as sore throat, scarlet fever, cellulites, wound infections, erysipelas, impetigo, puerperal fever, otitis media, septicemia and necrotizing fasciitis. It is also found in the throat or nasal cavity. ?-Streptococcus Selective Agar Base was described by Liebermeister and Braveny for isolating ?-haemolytic streptococci. This medium proves to be a nutritionally limiting medium for the accompanying flora, so that their growth is markedly reduced. ?-haemolytic streptococci also show reduced colony size but exhibit distinct ?-haemolysis. This medium gives higher yields of ? -haemolytic streptococci than the regularly used blood agar.

for the isolation of beta-haemolytic Streptococci from clinical specimens heavily contaminated with other bacteria.