Chromogenic media is used in the enumeration and detection of microorganisms and bacterial growth. These media, which are usually available as a powder or material that is granular, has enzymes that react with other types of micro-organisms chromogenically. Depending on the type of organisms whose presence is being tested the type of media is chosen. Incubation procedures are customized and target organisms are usually confirmed without the need for any further tests.
Chromogenic media was used in the 1980s when it came to be known that it was possible to detect microorganisms through these reactions. The procedure is a simple test to determine the absence or presence of a microorganism, and they can also be used for the quantitative microbe analysis by using other materials along with it.
The advantage this type of media has over the traditional culture media is the factor of color differentiation. Bacterial colonies of different types can be identified very quickly because of the color intensity and distinct hue the organisms can produce when they come in contact with chromogenic media. Pathogenic microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Salmonella and Streptococcus B are easily identified by the use of these media.
Hospitals, medical laboratories and clinics today are using this media due to the rise and increase in resistant bacteria in medical facilities. This media is also used in the first/preliminary screening for diseases that are common, like infection of the urinary tract. These diseases can be tested by the use of chromogenic media that is plated with Enterobacter, Klebsiella and E. coli.
Chromogenic testing is also useful to test for contamination by bacteria in food stuff. With this testing one is able to detect the presence of Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria. This type of testing therefore ensures safety of one's food supply.
In order to give the target organism time to have a population that is high enough to be present when the sub-sample is going to be analyzed, the chromogenic media has to be pre-enriched at least for a period of 24 hours. However, this will depend on what the target organism is and the type of media being used. Other demands like the environment, testing for food, common infection and prenatal care is also taken into consideration.
Diseases causing potential organisms are quickly detected by the media. This is helpful especially as many microorganisms are becoming resistant to antibiotics. This type of media is available in bulk powder or as a granular ready to use material. Chromogenic agar media is also a medium that helps microbiologists to identify and isolate types of pathogenic micro-organisms. Many of these types are fastidious and do not grow on the agar plates that are standard without some enrichment.
Chromogenic media inoculation generally follows when an enriched organism is there, using techniques that are aseptic. After a period of around 34 hours which is the incubation period, an analysis is made for colony count, color, growth and morphology. This is extremely important to identify a specific organism that is being diagnosed or researched. Different agar media is available to microbiologists today. One example of such media is the MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) identification media. Under developed countries have found MRSA has caused havoc among their populations causing diseases like TSS - toxic shock syndrome.
Take a look at other targeted resources about microbiology media products as well as chromogenic media applications.
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