In a case of suspected Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, which medium is typically used for culture?

The correct choice for culturing Neisseria gonorrhoeae is Modified Thayer-Martin medium. This specialized medium is designed specifically for the isolation of gonococci, which are the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea. Modified Thayer-Martin medium contains nutrients that support the growth of N. gonorrhoeae while simultaneously inhibiting the growth of other bacteria and organisms that may contaminate the sample. It includes factors such as vancomycin, colistin, and nystatin to suppress the flora, allowing for the selective growth of the pathogen.

Using standard media, such as blood agar or chocolate agar, might not provide the selectivity needed to reliably isolate N. gonorrhoeae, as these media support the growth of many other types of bacteria as well. Though chocolate agar can indeed support its growth, it does not discriminate against competing organisms. MacConkey agar is primarily used for gram-negative bacteria, particularly Enterobacteriaceae, and is not appropriate for culturing N. gonorrhoeae due to its ability to inhibit the growth of such fastidious organisms. Therefore, Modified Thayer-Martin medium is the optimal choice for this specific purpose.