Comparison of six different culture media for isolation of Treponema hyodysenteriae.

Fecal material from pigs experimentally infected with Treponema hyodysenteriae was collected and inoculated on six different selective media to compare their abilities for recovery of T. hyodysenteriae. Additionally, various types of samples were compared to find the most appropriate for submitting material to laboratories. Isolation rates for T. hyodysenteriae were 89.7% on BJ medium, 88.3% on TSA-BJ medium, 76.6% on SVC medium, 76.6% on BA2-BJ medium, 75.2% on BA2-SVC medium, and 52.4% on TSA-S400 medium. BJ medium was the most useful, yielding good growth of T. hyodysenteriae and inhibition of the normal fecal flora. Also, undiluted fecal material kept at refrigeration temperature allowed better recovery of T. hyodysenteriae during storage than swabs.