Which culture medium is used for the cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis?

The cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, requires specific conditions due to its unique growth characteristics and nutritional needs. Lowenstein-Jensen and Middlebrook media are specialized culture media designed to support the growth of mycobacteria while inhibiting contaminants.

Lowenstein-Jensen medium contains nutrients such as egg, potatoes, and glycerol that are essential for the slow-growing Mycobacterium species. The medium is also supplemented with antibiotics to prevent the growth of other bacteria and fungi that might outcompete or contaminate the mycobacterial culture.

Middlebrook agar, which is another suitable option for growing M. tuberculosis, is a defined medium that provides a more controlled environment for the growth of these bacteria. Both media types support the slow growth rate of mycobacteria due to their complex cell wall structure that requires specific growth conditions.

In contrast, the other choices do not provide the necessary environment for M. tuberculosis growth. Nutrient agar is general-purpose and lacks the specific nutrients and conditions required for mycobacteria. Blood agar is rich in nutrients but also not tailored to manage the slow-growing nature of M. tuberculosis. MacConkey agar is selective for Gram-negative bacteria and does not support