For selective isolation of the gonorrhea-causing Neisseria gonorrhoeae from clinical specimens, media are typically supplemented with which component to suppress competing flora?

Introduction / Context:
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is fastidious and easily overgrown by commensals. Clinical microbiology relies on selective media to recover it from mixed specimens (for example, genital, rectal, pharyngeal swabs) while suppressing contaminants.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Selective media use inhibitors to reduce growth of competing bacteria and fungi.
• Gonococci remain sensitive to many antibiotics but can grow on specific selective formulations.
• Specimen quality and rapid plating affect recovery.

Concept / Approach:
Chocolate agar–based media such as Thayer–Martin or Modified Thayer–Martin include antibiotics (for example, vancomycin, colistin, nystatin, trimethoprim) that suppress Gram-positives, many Gram-negatives, and yeasts. This targeted suppression allows N. gonorrhoeae colonies to be isolated for identification and susceptibility testing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize the need for selective suppression of background flora. Recall that antibiotic cocktails in Thayer–Martin media serve this role. Match the correct additive: “certain antibiotics.” Select the option that specifies antibiotics as the selective component.

Verification / Alternative check:
Laboratory manuals list antibiotic-supplemented media as the standard of care for N. gonorrhoeae isolation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Cellulose / Succinate: Not the selective agents used for recovery in clinical media.
• None of these: Incorrect because antibiotics are indeed used.

Common Pitfalls:
Plating delays and cold shock reduce viability; even with selective media, prompt inoculation and CO2-enriched incubation are important.

Final Answer:
certain antibiotics.