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Name: Stacy
Status: Student
Grade:  9-12
Location: FL
Country: United States
Date: October 2007
Question:
My question is which type of agar does Streptococcus Salivarius (non-pathogenic) bacteria grow best on?


Replies:
I'm not sure about Strep salivarius specifically, but Strep tend to be a little more fastidious than other bacteria and need media with an extra boost of nutrients. So, nutrient agar doesn't allow them to grow as well (go figure!). I use Brain-heart infusion agar (BHI) to grow strep. But be careful, because pathogens tend to also be fastidious and will grow more easily on this agar as well. If you must use it, use very strict aseptic technique and wash your hands well after observing and working with these bacteria.

vanhoeck


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