Leifson formulated Selenite Broth for enrichment of Salmonella from sources such as feces, urine, and food. Selenite was found to inhibit coliforms and fecal streptococci, however after 12-18 hours of incubation⁷ the breakthrough of inhibited strains would occur. Addition of L-cystine as an enrichment agent improves the recovery of Salmonella. Bacteria that reduce selenite produce alkali and increase the pH. The acid produced by lactose fermentation causes a decrease in pH and results in a neutral or slightly decreased pH in the medium. Selenite Cystine Broth is used in epidemiological studies to detect organisms from asymptomatic or convalescent patients⁸ and for recovery of Salmonella and Shigella when it occurs in low numbers in certain specimens.

• Recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for detection of Salmonella in food materials
• Recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA) for isolation of Salmonella from water, foods, and dairy products^4-6
• Selective medium – Sodium selenite inhibits coliforms, enterococci, and other gram-positive organisms
• Ready-to-use – Convenience of prepared medium

This medium contains casein peptone that supplies nitrogenous substances and carbon compounds necessary for bacterial growth. L-cystine is the enrichment agent that improves recovery of the organisms. Sodium phosphate maintains a stable pH and lessens the toxicity of the selenite. Selective agent sodium selenite inhibits coliforms, enterococci, and other gram-positive organisms.

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