Selective Medium for Hydrogen Sulfide Production by Salmonellae

Triple Sugar Iron Agar does not reveal hydrogen sulfide production by allSalmonella organisms nor does it permit clear-cut separation of those nonsalmonellae which produce H2 S. Numerous media with varied combinations of nutrients, inhibitors, selective agents,p H levels, and metal salts were tested for H2 S production of cultures ofSalmonella, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Arizona, Proteus, Providencia, Klebsiella , andEnterobacter . An agar medium has been devised which promotes growth and H2 S production (generally within 6 hr) bySalmonella, Arizona , andEdwardsiella but which inhibits hydrogen sulfide production or growth of all other gram-negative organisms tested (includingCitrobacter ) or inhibits both. The use of this medium should facilitate the selection and identification ofSalmonella .