Serum- and animal tissue-free medium for transport and growth of Helicobacter pylori

The important human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is the subject of many studies, and as a consequence it is frequently being transported between national and international laboratories. Unfortunately, common bacterial growth and transport media contain serum- and animal tissue-derived materials, which carry the risk of spreading infectious diseases. We have therefore developed a growth and transport medium for H. pylori, designated 'Serum- and Animal Tissue-Free Medium' (SATFM), which does not contain serum- or animal tissue-derived components. SATFM supported growth of H. pylori isolates to similar levels as obtained with serum-supplemented Brucella medium, and SATFM with 0.5% agar supported transport and storage of H. pylori strains, as 4/4 reference strains and 11/11 clinical isolates survived for at least 3 days at room temperature in SATFM, with some strains (2/15) even surviving for up to 7 days. In conclusion, SATFM can be used both as transport and growth medium for H. pylori. The formulation of SATFM may allow its use in international transport of H. pylori, and may also allow certified use in immunization studies requiring growth of H. pylori and other bacterial pathogens.