Abstract: A medium for the growth of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci comprising:— (i) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth and reproduction of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (ii) an effective amount of one or more selective agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms other than vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (iii) a Krebs cycle intermediate.

Abstract: A medium for the growth of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci comprising: (i) a nutrient medium with an energy source effective to support growth and reproduction of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (ii) an effective amount of one or more selective agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms other than vancomycin-resistant Enterococci; (iii) a Krebs cycle intermediate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of screening for the presence of MRSA in a subject, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a suitable sample from the subject using a swab or other suitable sample collection device; (b) substantially immediately after performing step (a), contacting the swab or other sample collection device with an identification medium, said medium comprising: (i) nutrients to allow the growth of MRSA; (ii) at least one inhibitor substance to inhibit preferentially the growth of organisms other than MRSA; and (iii) a visual indicator substance which generates a visual indication of the growth of MRSA if present; (c) incubating the identification medium, typically whilst still in contact with the swab or other sample collection device, in conditions which are sufficient to cause the growth of MRSA; and, after sufficient time has elapsed; (d) inspecting the medium to determine the presence or absence of the visual indication of the growth of MRSA.