Thermo Scientific Limited has extended the Thermo Scientific range of products for the growth, isolation and identification of Vibrio cholerae and other Vibrio species to include Alkaline Peptone Water (CM1028). This liquid medium is recommended for the enrichment of Vibrio species from clinical samples or for use in the 'Hanging Drop' method of identification.

Some clinical samples may contain low levels of the bacterium. Pre-enrichment in Alkaline Peptone Water allows Vibrio species to grow to detectable levels prior to presumptive identification and plating on a suitable culture medium, such as TCBS (CM0333) or Blood Agar. The 2.0% (w/v) sodium chloride in Alkaline Peptone Water promotes the growth of V. cholerae, whilst its alkalinity inhibit s most unwanted background flora.

Alkaline Peptone Water can also be used for the direct microscopic examination of samples using the 'Hanging Drop' method. Suspended samples are examined under the microscope for darting motility characteristic of Vibrio species. Immobilisation of the cells on addition of V. cholerae antiserum provides a presumptive identification.

Thermo Scientific Alkaline Peptone Water complies with the formulation recommended for the isolation of Vibrio species in recognized international standards.