GLUCOSE STARCH AGAR (as per AOAC)

Description

Clostridial species are one of the major causes of food poisoning/ gastro-intestinal illnesses. They are gram-positive, spore-forming rods that occur naturally in the soil. Among the family are: Clostridium botulinum, which produces one of the most potent toxins in existence; Clostridium tetani, causative agent of tetanus; and Clostridium perfringens, commonly found in wound infections and diarrhoea cases. The use of toxins to damage the host is a method deployed by many bacterial pathogens. The major virulence factor of C.perfringens is the CPE enterotoxin, which is secreted upon invasion of the host gut, and contributes to food poisoning and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Glucose Starch Agar is used as a basal medium, which with the addition of raffinose, salicin and phenol red indicator is used for detecting C. perfringens. This medium is also recommended by APHA.