Question

For which bacterial genus is mannitol salt agar selective for?

Answer 1

The bacterial genus that is mannitol salt agar selective is Staphylococcus. Mannitol salt agar or known as MSA is often used in culture of certain bacteria since it is selective and is a differential growth medium. It would only encourage growth specific group of bacteria and inhibit other growth. It is very important in medical studies and laboratories as it is able to determine pathogenic microorganisms in a short time. It has a high amount of salt making it selective only to gram positive bacteria like the Staphylococcus and the Micrococcaceae. The salt level is about 7.5% to 10% which is inhibitory to many bacteria.