Selective Isolation of Fungi: Primary recovery of yeasts and molds from mixed samples; 4.0% glucose and 1.0% tryptone support fungal growth while 50 µg/mL chloramphenicol suppresses bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Clinical Mycology: Culturing of Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and dermatophytes from skin, nail, respiratory, and urine specimens prior to identification and susceptibility workflows.

Food and Beverage Testing: Enumeration and detection of yeasts and molds in dairy, juices, beer, wine, and ready-to-eat products to assess spoilage and hygiene.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic QC: Fungal bioburden and TYMC assays in raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products; chloramphenicol minimizes interference from Bacillus and Pseudomonas spp.

Environmental Monitoring: Air, surface, and water monitoring in cleanrooms and production areas using 100 mm plates for recovery of airborne and surface fungi.

Water and Utility Testing: Detection of fungi in process water, purified water, and condensate systems where bacterial overgrowth is inhibited by chloramphenicol.

Diagnostic Follow-Up Cultures: Subculturing of positive screens to obtain isolated fungal colonies for downstream identification (e.g., microscopy, MALDI-TOF, biochemical tests).

Research and Teaching Labs: Routine cultivation and maintenance of fungal strains; 1.5% agar provides suitable firmness for colony morphology assessment.