Division 2.1 Culture

Direct culture on a selective medium provides a good estimate of the prevalence of Campylobacters. Direct culture of the sample shall be carried out on a selective medium suitable for Campylobacter, (i.e. modified Campylobacter blood free selective medium (CCDA); Karmali; or Preston Agar).

The plates shall be incubated at 41,5 ± 1 °C, in a micro-aerobic atmosphere, for at least 48 +/– 2 hours. Growth may be detected after 24 hours.

The micro-aerobic atmosphere may be obtained in commercially available micro-aerobic incubators (gas mixture 10 % CO₂/6 % O₂). In the absence of such incubators, micro-aerobic culture systems can be used i.e. gas jars. Commercial gas pack systems providing the appropriate micro-aerobic atmosphere are available.

Suitable positive and negative controls shall be included for each batch of samples cultured.