Evaluation of broth media for routine culture of cerebrospinal and joint fluid specimens

Broth cultures of cerebrospinal and joint fluids are important components in the culture detection of meningitis and septic arthritis. The authors examined 121 strains of bacteria isolated from clinical specimens representing 13 species or groups that cause meningitis and arthritis for growth in supplemented Thioglycolate broth (THIO), Supplemented Peptone Broth (SPB), and minced beef heart (MBH) media each alone or with added IsoVitaleX. Both SPB and MBH with IsoVitaleX performed better as broth culture media than the media without IsoVitaleX or THIO with or without IsoVitaleX.