Determination of the optimal transport system for Helicobacter pylori cultures.

A range of solid and liquid media was evaluated for the ability to maintain survival of Helicobacter pylori strains under different conditions. Chocolate agar slopes maintained survival of most strains for longer than 3 days, some strains surviving for up to 9 days, despite a decreased number of viable cells. Temperature and atmosphere did not significantly influence the performance of these slopes. The BBL Campy Pouch system also achieved a considerable recovery rate of H. pylori after storage for 3 days at the same range of temperatures. Brain-heart infusion broth with horse serum was superior among the liquid media tested, maintaining the viability of H. pylori for c. 3 days at temperatures ranging from -4 degrees C to 21 degrees C. Chocolate agar slopes are recommended as suitable for transport of H. pylori strains.