Bismuth Sulfite Agar is used for the selective isolation of Salmonella spp. In a laboratory setting. Bismuth Sulfite Agar is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans and conforms to FDA/BAM formulation. Salmonellosis can result from consumption of raw, undercooked, or improperly processed foods contaminated with Salmonella. U. S. federal guidelines require various poultry products to be routinely monitored before distribution for human consumption. Bismuth Sulfite Agar is a modification of Wilson and Blair formula. The typhoid organism grows luxuriantly on the medium, forming characteristic black colonies. Gram-positive bacteria and coliforms are inhibited on Bismuth Sulfite Agar. The inhibitory action of Bismuth Sulfite Agar permits the use of a large inoculum, increasing the possibility of recovering pathogens that may be present in small numbers. Bismuth Sulfite Agar is generally accepted for routine detection of most Salmonella spp. Bismuth Sulfite Agar is used for the isolation of S. typhi and other Salmonella spp. from food. Bismuth Sulfite Agar is a standard methods medium for industrial applications and the laboratory environment.
