Taurine-reduction powers rapid growth of Bilophila wadsworthia: A liquid minimal-salts medium for clinical research?

Clinical isolates of Bilophila wadsworthia grew rapidly (1-3 days) in the l iquid taurine-minimal-salts medium developed for B. wadsworthia RZA-TAU, wh ereas growth on Bacteroides Bile Esculin Agar takes up to I week. Though ra pid growth of B. wadsworthia was achieved, and no other pure cultures grew, the medium was not selective for the organism in human faeces or in intra- abdominal specimens. We hope, however, that our understanding of the physio logical and biochemical characteristics of the organism supplies a tool for further research. (C) 1999 Academic Press.