Comparison of media for optimal recovery ofCandida albicans andCandida glabrata from blood culture

Abstract

Background Candida spp., mainlyCandida albicans, are frequently responsible for complications in immunocompromised patients. There are limited data comparing recovery efficiency using simple non-selective basal broth media.

Aim To compare several commercially available basal growth media to determine the medium that gave highest yeast proliferation.

Method Eight commercially available non-selective basal broth culture media were evaluated for optimum recovery of clinicalC. albicans andC. glabrata. They included nutrient broth (NB), nutrient broth no. 2 (NB2), Todd-Hewitt (TH) broth, tryptone soya broth (TSB), tryptone soya broth supplemented with yeast extract (0.5% w/v [TSBYE]), brain heart infusion broth supplemented with yeast extract (0.5% w/v [BHIYE]), salt meat broth (SMB) and 0.1% [w/v] peptone saline (PS). Differences in cell density were evaluated by spectrophotometrical analysis.

Results TSBYE>BHIYE>TSB>TH>NB2>NB>SMB>PS for the optimum proliferation of cells in vitro. Either TSBYE or BHIYE broth may be employed as suitable basal broth media for growth ofC. albicans andC. glabrata. NB should be considered the least suitable medium for routine use when others are available.

Conclusion These data may be of value to laboratories setting up simple blood culture systems to detectCandida spp., particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries.