What is the suitable culture medium for Campylobacter species?

Campylobacter species, which are known for their role in gastrointestinal infections, require specific growth conditions that are best provided by specialized culture media. Skirrow's medium is particularly designed to cultivate these bacteria, as it contains the necessary nutrients and selective agents to inhibit competing flora while supporting the growth of Campylobacter.

The medium typically includes a mixture of antibiotics to suppress the growth of other bacteria, providing an environment suitable for the growth of Campylobacter at their preferred temperature and atmosphere (microaerophilic conditions). By using Skirrow's medium, laboratory technicians can effectively isolate Campylobacter from clinical samples, allowing for accurate diagnosis of infections caused by this pathogen.

Other media mentioned have different applications: Chocolate agar is used for a variety of fastidious organisms but is not selective for Campylobacter. Cefsulodin-irgasan-novobiocin (CIN) agar is primarily used for isolating Yersinia enterocolitica. Buffered charcoal yeast extract is used for culturing organisms like Legionella. Therefore, Skirrow's medium is the most appropriate choice for the culture of Campylobacter species due to its composition and selective properties.