Clostridium difficile agar, when supplemented, is used for the isolation of C. difficile from samples. This formulation is a modification of CCFA (Cycloserine-Cefoxitin-Fructose agar) developed by George et al.

The proteose peptone act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source in this medium. Fructose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Disodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate are buffering agents. The magnesium sulfate acts as a source of inorganic ions and the agar is the solidifying agent.

This media requires the addition of defibrinated horse blood and Clostridium difficile selective supplement (MED1552).

Preparation

Suspend 69.0g of the medium in 1L of deionised / purified water. Allow the medium to soak whilst mixing for 10 minutes. Sterilise at 121°C for 15 minutes. Cool to 45-50°C then aseptically add 7% horse blood and 2 vials of MED1552 Clostridium difficile selective supplement. Mix well then aseptically dispense into appropriate sterile containers.