What are fastidious and nonfastidious bacteria?

Fastidious bacteria are organisms that require specialized nutrient media to grow and thrive.

• Their culture medium must contain specific nutrients, without which they are difficult to culture in laboratories.
• For example, Capnophilic bacteria need an elevated concentration of carbon dioxide for growth. Campylobacter spp. and Helicobacter spp. are well-known examples.
• Other examples include:
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which requires haemoglobin or blood, along with certain amino acids and vitamins.
  • Mycoplasma, often associated with the mucous membranes of mammals.

On the other hand, non-fastidious bacteria do not need any special nutritional supplements or conditions for their growth.

• Examples include:
  • Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes (both are lactose fermenters).
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.