Identification of the causative microbe for a diarrheal infection often requires a stool culture.The best medium for this purpose is

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A medium containing bile as a selective agent is the best choice for stool culture as it inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria and allows the growth of gram-negative bacteria that are commonly associated with diarrheal infections. This selective medium makes it easier to identify the causative microbe. A general purpose medium would not be selective enough and might allow the growth of normal gut microbiota that would interfere with identification. Using a broad-spectrum antibiotic would be counterproductive as it would kill the very bacteria that need to be identified. A medium containing mammalian blood would not provide any benefits over a selective medium, and a liquid medium would not be ideal as it would not allow for observation of colony morphology.

Identification of the Causative Microbe for a Diarrheal Infection Often