Fundamentals of Microbiology (2+2)

Study of Molds by Slide Culture Technique

The isolation, culture and microscopic examination of molds require the use of suitable selective media and special microscopic slide techniques. The arrangement of spores in the fungal hyphae is necessary in identification of the fungus. In slide culture method, stained slides of molds are prepared and the method is superior to wet mounts. In that, the hyphae, sporangiopores and spores remain more or less intact when stained.

For slide culture, Sabouraud's dextrose agar can be used. It is a simple medium consisting of 1% peptone, 4% glucose and 2% agar. The pH of the medium is adjusted to 5.6 to inhibit the bacterial growth. For some molds, the pH of Sabouraud's agar is too low and the glucose content is too high. A better medium for such organisms is one suggested by C.W. Emmons that contains only 2% glucose with 1% neopeptone, and an adjusted pH of 6.8 to 7.0. To inhibit bacterial growth 40 mg of chloramphenicol is added to one liter of the medium. In addition to these media, Potato Dextrose agar, Cornmeal agar, Czapek-dox agar, Rose Bengal agar can also be used.