What is the composition of Thayer-Martin media?

Thayer-Martin media is a type of enriched chocolate agar that has been specifically formulated to facilitate the growth of certain fastidious organisms, particularly Neisseria species, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This media is enriched with additional nutrients and inhibitors to suppress the growth of competing flora while allowing the target microorganisms to thrive.

The composition typically includes blood, which has been lysed to release nutrients, as well as antibiotics like vancomycin, colistin, and nystatin to inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria and fungi. This selective environment enhances the isolation and identification of Neisseria species from clinical specimens.

Other options, such as plain agar, nutrient broth, and blood agar, lack the specific formulation and inhibitory components that allow Thayer-Martin media to be effective for its intended purpose. Plain agar would not provide the necessary nutrients for the growth of these organisms, while nutrient broth is used primarily for general bacterial growth without the selective properties needed for isolating Neisseria. Blood agar, although enriched, does not contain the antibiotics that make Thayer-Martin media particularly suited for isolating Neisseria without interference from other microbes.