Comparison of five selective media for beta-haemolytic streptococci.

Five selective media for beta-haemolytic streptococci were tested and compared with the conventional blood agar plate using 200 throat swabs from children with possible streptococcal pharyngitis. The medium described by Liebermeister and Braveny, which is based on the reduction of nutrients and enhancement of the haemolytic activity of beta-streptococci, was markedly superior to the other selective media containing inhibiting agents.