Selenite broth is used as a selective medium for the isolation of ''
Salmonella'' species. Selenite broth was originated by Leifson,
while observing good recovery of Salmonella
spp.
In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate se ...
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
Medium may refer to:
Science and technology
Aviation
*Medium bomber, a class of war plane
*Tecma Medium, a French hang glider design
Communication
* Media (communication), tools used to store and deliver information or data
* Medium of ...
must not be
autoclave
An autoclave is a machine used to carry out industrial and scientific processes requiring elevated temperature and pressure in relation to ambient pressure and/or temperature. Autoclaves are used before surgical procedures to perform sterilizati ...
d. 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
Teratology is the study of abnormalities of physiological development in organisms during their life span. It is a sub-discipline in medical genetics which focuses on the classification of congenital abnormalities in dysmorphology. The related ...
to workers,
sodium selenite
Sodium selenite is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2SeO3. This salt is a colourless solid. The pentahydrate Na2SeO3(H2O)5 is the most common water-soluble selenium compound.
Synthesis and fundamental reactions
Sodium selenite usually i ...
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