Specimens for virus culture should be transported in media containing which of the following?

Specimens for virus culture should be transported in media containing which of the following?

• A. Antibiotics and 5% sheep blood
• B. Saline and 5% sheep blood
• C. 22% bovine albumin
• D. Antibiotics and nutrient

Answer: (D)

Transporting specimens for virus culture in media containing antibiotics and nutrient is vital for maintaining the viability of any viral pathogens while inhibiting the growth of competing bacteria and fungi that might contaminate the sample. Antibiotics help prevent bacterial overgrowth that can compromise the integrity of the sample and interfere with the isolation of the virus. Including nutrient sources ensures that the viral particles remain stable and viable during transport, which is crucial for successful culture and subsequent identification. The role of antibiotics in the transport medium is particularly important because viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens and cannot be cultivated on media that supports bacteria. Therefore, a balanced medium that also provides nourishment allows for the preservation of the virus until it can be cultured in a laboratory setting. This makes the combination of antibiotics and nutrients the preferred choice for transporting specimens intended for viral culture. Other options may offer some benefits, such as providing a basic environmental context for other microorganisms, but they lack the comprehensive protective and supportive qualities necessary for maintaining viral integrity during transport.

Transporting specimens for virus culture in media containing antibiotics and nutrient is vital for maintaining the viability of any viral pathogens while inhibiting the growth of competing bacteria and fungi that might contaminate the sample. Antibiotics help prevent bacterial overgrowth that can compromise the integrity of the sample and interfere with the isolation of the virus. Including nutrient sources ensures that the viral particles remain stable and viable during transport, which is crucial for successful culture and subsequent identification.

The role of antibiotics in the transport medium is particularly important because viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens and cannot be cultivated on media that supports bacteria. Therefore, a balanced medium that also provides nourishment allows for the preservation of the virus until it can be cultured in a laboratory setting. This makes the combination of antibiotics and nutrients the preferred choice for transporting specimens intended for viral culture.

Other options may offer some benefits, such as providing a basic environmental context for other microorganisms, but they lack the comprehensive protective and supportive qualities necessary for maintaining viral integrity during transport.