What is sabouraud agar?

Sabouraud agar is a selective and differential agar medium used for the isolation of fungi from clinical specimens. It was developed by Raymond Sabouraud in the late 19th century and is named after him.

The main components of Sabouraud agar include:

1. Dextrose: Provides a source of carbohydrates for the growth of fungi.
2. Peptone: Provides a source of nitrogen and amino acids for fungal growth.
3. Agar: Solidifying agent that provides a solid surface for fungal colonies to grow on.

Sabouraud agar has a low pH (around 5.6) and contains antibiotics such as chloramphenicol or gentamicin to inhibit the growth of bacteria while allowing the growth of fungi. This makes it a selective medium for fungi.

Fungi that grow on Sabouraud agar can be identified based on their colony morphology, color, and other characteristics. Different fungal species may produce different patterns of growth on the medium.

Sabouraud agar is commonly used in clinical microbiology laboratories for the diagnosis of fungal infections, as well as in research settings for the isolation and cultivation of fungi. It is particularly useful for the cultivation of dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.