Final answer:
Option (a), Selective media for isolating Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis include Modified Thayer-Martin agar, New York City agar, Martin-Lewis agar, and VCNT agar.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selective media for isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis include Modified Thayer-Martin agar, New York City agar, and Martin-Lewis agar. These media are designed to inhibit the growth of other bacteria while supporting the growth of Neisseria species. They achieve this by including antibiotics such as vancomycin, colistin, nystatin, and trimethoprim, which suppress the growth of unwanted microorganisms.
Among the provided options, the Vancomycin, Colistin, Nystatin, Trimethoprim agar (also known as VCNT agar) is a part of Modified Thayer-Martin agar. Neisseria species require specialized growth conditions such as high moisture, nutrient supplements, and low oxygen levels, which these selective media provide. Furthermore, Neisseria spp. commonly appear as gram-negative diplococci resembling coffee beans, which can be observed on these media.