Selenite broth is used as a selective medium for the isolation of ''
Salmonella
''Salmonella'' is a genus of rod-shaped (bacillus) Gram-negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The two species of ''Salmonella'' are ''Salmonella enterica'' and ''Salmonella bongori''. ''S. enterica'' is the type species and is fur ...
'' species. Selenite broth was originated by Leifson,
while observing good recovery of Salmonella
spp. and reduced
growth of fecal coliforms. Selenite broth is used as a selective enrichment for the cultivation of Salmonella
spp. that may be present in small numbers and competing with intestinal flora. This
medium must not be
autoclaved. Once prepared, it is steamed at 100°C for 30 minutes. There should be a very slight red precipitate. To minimize the risk of
teratogenicity to workers,
sodium selenite must be added separately to the medium. It has a
pH of approximately 7.1. Selenite broth gives pale or colorless colonies.
Selenite broth contains:
References
Microbiological media
Bacteriology
{{Microbiology-stub