Regan-Lowe medium is the recommended medium for isolation of which organism?

Regan-Lowe medium is the recommended medium for isolation of which organism?

• A. Bordetella pertussis
• B. Campylobacter fetus
• C. Haemophilus influenzae
• D. Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Answer: (A)

Regan-Lowe medium is used to isolate Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough. This organism is very fastidious and easily outgrown by normal nasopharyngeal flora, so a selective, enriched medium is needed. The medium incorporates charcoal to neutralize toxins and provide a gentler environment, along with antibiotics that suppress competing bacteria while allowing B. pertussis to grow. Under typical incubation, small, pale-gray colonies can appear after several days, reflecting its slow growth but successful recovery on this specialized medium. This is why Regan-Lowe is preferred for pertussis isolation, whereas the other organisms listed require different media designed for their specific growth needs and selective pressures.

Regan-Lowe medium is used to isolate Bordetella pertussis, the bacterium that causes whooping cough. This organism is very fastidious and easily outgrown by normal nasopharyngeal flora, so a selective, enriched medium is needed. The medium incorporates charcoal to neutralize toxins and provide a gentler environment, along with antibiotics that suppress competing bacteria while allowing B. pertussis to grow. Under typical incubation, small, pale-gray colonies can appear after several days, reflecting its slow growth but successful recovery on this specialized medium. This is why Regan-Lowe is preferred for pertussis isolation, whereas the other organisms listed require different media designed for their specific growth needs and selective pressures.