Comparison of Media for the Isolation of Haemophilus species from Cases of Seasonal Conjunctivitis Associated with Severe Endemic Trachoma

Media for isolation of Haemophilus sp. from the conjuctiva were compared in an oasis in southern Tunisia where severe trachoma and seasonal epidemic purulent conjunctivitis are common. Of 89 children tested, IsoVitaleX-supplemented chocolate agar yielded Haemophilus in 87%, plain chocolate agar in 75%, sheep blood agar with a stab of Staphylococcus epidermidis in 74%, and Fildes medium in 58%. Since other microbial pathogens are easily identified in the modified blood agar, it was the most useful single medium.