Brain Heart Infusion, Porcine

Brain Heart Infusion (BHI), Porcine, is a culture medium commonly used in microbiology for the cultivation of various fastidious, pathogenic microorganisms, including yeasts and molds. The media is nutritious and well-buffered to support the growth of a wide range of microorganisms such as Streptococci, Pneumococci, Meningococci, etc. The media is especially suited for the cultivation of Staphylococci for the plasma coagulase test and setting up blood cultures.BHI is typically prepared using porcine (pig) brain and heart tissues as the source of the raw materials. The enzymatic digestion of porcine brain-heart infusion provides amino acids, nitrogen, carbon, vitamins, and minerals for the growth of organisms. Glucose is the source of carbohydrates, and sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Disodium phosphate is a buffering agent.

Brain Heart Infusion, porcine, is recommended for the cultivation of fastidious pathogenic microorganisms and is often used for the examination of water, wastewater, meat, and food products. It is used as a culture medium for the growth of Streptococcus pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, Leishmania promastigotes, and Clostridium difficile.