HAEMOPHILUS TEST AGAR BASE

Description

Haemophilus species are nutritionally fastidious in nature. They require either exogenous hemin (X-factor) or NAD (V factor) or both. Due to this reason, Mueller Hinton Agar, which is used for antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria, can?t be used for the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Haemophilus. Also, addition of blood to Mueller Hinton Agar to supply the essential growth nutrients makes the medium opaque, rendering it unsuitable for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Haemophilus Test Agar Base, studied by Jorgensen et al is used for the susceptibility testing of Haemophilus influenzae. This medium has similar composition as Mueller Hinton Agar, with the addition of yeast extract and added growth supplements. Haemophilus Test Agar Base is simple, transparent and possess minimum risk of antagonism of antimicrobial agents.