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  • Bacillus cereus agar (PEMBA) is used for the selective isolation and enumeration of Bacillus cereus in food samples. It is said to be particularly suitable for the detection of small numbers of Bacillus cereus particularly in the presence of other contaminating organisms. Bacillus cereus agar (PEMBA) is based on the formulation developed by Holbrook and Anderson. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate. Bromothymol blue is a pH indicator used to detect mannitol fermentation. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Magnesium sulphate provides divalent cations and sulphate. Di-sodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate are buffering agents. Egg yolk emulsion (BM0140) must be added to this media to assess lecithinase production. Sodium pyruvate is present to improve egg yolk precipitation and enhance B. cereus sporulation. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of polymyxin B sulphate (LS1051).
  • Bacitracin Selective Supplement E&O Laboratories Ltd Bacitracin Supplement (LS0012) is an antibiotic supplement used to enhance the isolation of Haemophilus species.
  • Bacteriological peptone is an economical source of nutrients provided by a balanced mixture of meat peptones and tryptone.The growth requirements of most non fastidious organisms will be fulfilled by the range of amino acids, peptides and proteoses in this mixture.  
  • Baird Parker agar is a selective medium for the isolation and presumptive identification of coagulase-positive staphylococci. This medium is used extensively for detecting Staphylococcus aureus in foods, dairy products, and other materials. Enzymatic digest of casein, meat extract and yeast extract provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of lithium chloride and the addition of potassium tellurite. Glycine and sodium pyruvate are included as growth enhancers while the pyruvate also acts as a neutraliser of toxic peroxides. Coagulase positive staphylococci are differentiated by the addition of egg yolk tellurite (BM0530) due to their ability to break down the egg yolk. Clear zones around colonies form due to the proteolytic action of lecithinase. A secondary opaque zone, surrounding presumptive positive colonies, may also form due to lipase activity. Potassium tellurite is reduced by staphylococci giving rise to blackening of colonies. NB: Any black colonies (with halo (typical) or without the halo (atypical)) on this medium must be confirmed as Staphylococcus aureus by further tests (e.g. coagulase test or latex agglutination etc.) Related Supplements : BM0530 Egg Yolk Tellurite
  • Bile Aesculin Medium is generally used for the differentiation and presumptive identification of Group D streptococci (enterococci). Enterococci hydrolyse aesculin forming, amongst other products, aesculetin which in turn combines with Ferric ammonium citrate producing a dark brown or black complex. The presence of Bile salts in the medium inhibits gram positive organisms other than enterococci. The medium can also be used for the presumptive identification of certain organisms within the Enterobacteriaceae group such as Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., etc.
  • Brucella broth is a non-selective medium for the cultivation of Brucella spp. and other fastidious microorganisms. Brucella broth has been developed from the APHA formulation for Albimi broth. (1&2) The enzymatic digest of casein, enzymatic digest of animal tissues and yeast extract provide the necessary carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources for this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Sodium bisulfite is added to enhance growth. References (1) Hausler, W. J. (ed.). 1976. Standard methods for the examination of dairy products, 14th ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. (2) ISO 10272-1:2006. Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs – Horizontal method for detection and enumeration of Campylobacter spp.
  • Brucella Medium Base is a general purpose medium for the cultivation of Brucella spp. and other fastidious microorganisms. Brucella Medium Base has been developed from the APHA formulation for Albimi broth. The peptones act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source in this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium.
  • Clostridium difficile agar, when supplemented, is used for the isolation of C. difficile from samples. This formulation is a modification of CCFA (Cycloserine-Cefoxitin-Fructose agar) developed by George et al. The proteose peptone act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin source in this medium. Fructose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Disodium hydrogen phosphate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate are buffering agents. The magnesium sulfate acts as a source of inorganic ions and the agar is the solidifying agent. This media requires the addition of defibrinated horse blood and Clostridium difficile selective supplement (LS0022).
  • KM0001

    Columbia Agar

    Columbia agar is a general-purpose, non-selective medium capable of supporting the growth of most micro-organisms based on the original Columbia agar formulation described by Ellner et al. from Columbia University. With further enrichment using blood, most fastidious organisms can be isolated and their β-haemolytic reactions can be determined in order to aid identification. The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Starch increases growth of Neisseria spp., and enhances the haemolytic reactions of some streptococci. This medium is relatively free of reducing sugars, which have been reported to adversely influence the haemolytic reactions of β-haemolytic streptococci . Supplementation of the base medium with blood (5- 10%) will provide additional growth factors for fastidious microorganisms, and aids in determining haemolytic reactions. It should be noted that the haemolytic patterns of isolates may vary with the source of animal blood and the type of basal medium used. Related Supplements : Defibrinated Horse Blood, Defibrinated Sheep Blood, Horse Blood Lysed, LS0008 Staph/Strep Selective Supplement, LS0017 Neomycin Selective Supplement, LS0022 Clostridium difficle Selective SupplementLS0012 Bacitracin Selective Supplement, LS0011 Campylobacter Growth Supplement, LS0009 Campylobacter (Skirrow) Selective Supplement
  • This medium is intended for the cultivation and enumeration (via the Miles and Misra technique) of Lactobacillus spp. from a variety of sources and can be used in conjunction with MRS Agar (KM0080). This medium is a modification on the formulation developed by de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe.(1) The peptones, beef extract, yeast extract provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins in this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Potassium phosphate is a buffering agent. Selectivity of the medium is achieved through the use of ammonium citrate and sodium acetate, inhibiting microorganisms such as streptococci and moulds. The magnesium sulphate, manganese sulphate and polysorbate 80 act as growth stimulants. The medium can be made more specific for lactobacilli generally by lowering the pH to between 5.0 and 5.5. This has the effect of inhibiting most streptococci that may otherwise grow on the medium and can be readily confused with lactobacilli.
  • This is a selective medium for the isolation of Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. from clinical specimens and environmental samples. This formulation was developed by Hynes through a modification of Leifson’s DCA medium. The peptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and neutral red is a pH indicator. Sodium thiosulphate and ferric citrate are used to detect hydrogen sulphide production indicated by the black centred colonies of hydrogen sulphite positive organisms. Sodium desoxycholate and sodium citrate inhibit most Gram-positive organisms.
  • Edwardsiella ictaluri medium is a selective medium for the isolation of Edwardsiella spp. based on the formulation by Shotts et al. (1) Edwardsiella spp. may be differentiated from other microorganisms on this medium due to its colony morphology. The peptones provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Colistin and bile salts are selective agents to inhibit most Gram-negative and Gram- positive organisms. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate and bromthymol blue is a pH indicator. Phenylalanine and ferric citrate are used to detect phenylalanine deaminase activity in Proteus spp. Agar is a solidifying agent. Shotts et al. (1) noted Proteus spp. swarming can overgrow on a mixed cultured sample. Therefore, a selective supplement (LS0021) may be added to the medium to restrict Proteus spp. swarming
  • Fastidious Anaerobe Agar is intended as a primary isolation medium capable of supporting most clinically significant anaerobes. The formulation is complex and includes detoxification agents (starch and sodium bicarbonate), growth enhancing agents (L-Cysteine, arginine, vitamin K, sodium succinate, glucose and pyrophosphate), as well as haemin to encourage pigment production in Bacteroides melaninogenicus. The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Glucose also acts as a carbon source and sodium pyruvate as an energy source. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance in the medium. Sodium pyrophosphate acts as a buffering agent and sodium succinate improves the growth of organisms such Bacteroides spp. Supplementation of the base medium with blood (5 - 10%) will provide additional growth factors for the more fastidious microorganisms, and aids in determining any haemolytic reactions. Related Supplements : LS0015 Actinomycete Selective Supplement, LS0017 Neomycin Selective Supplement, LS0022 Clostridium difficile Selective Supplement, LS0023 Clostridium perfringens Selective Supplement, BM0140 Egg Yolk Emulsion
  • Half-Fraser broth is a selective enrichment broth for the identification and isolation of Listeria spp., primarily from food and environmental samples. The antibiotics, nalidixic acid and acriflavine, are already included in the formulation so only ferric ammonium citrate (LS5004) need be added to make the complete Half-Fraser broth. The peptones provide carbon, nitrogen and vitamins, sodium chloride provides osmotic balance and the phosphate buffer system maintains pH. Lithium chloride inhibits enterococci and the antibiotics make the medium highly selective. Listeria spp. hydrolyse aesculin to aesculetin which forms a confirmatory dark brown or black complex with Fe3+ ions.
  • Kligler iron agar is used to differentiate between some of the enterobacteriacae on the basis of three reactions: fermentation of lactose and glucose and the production of hydrogen sulphide. Kligler iron agar is a modification of the original formulation developed by Kligler. It incorporates the principles of Russell’s double sugar agar with Kligler ‘s lead acetate agar. The peptone provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Lactose and glucose are carbohydrates. Acid production from their fermentation is detected by the phenol red pH indictor. Sodium thiosulphate is reduced to hydrogen sulphide which is detected by the ferric citrate indicator. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance.
  • Lauryl Tryptose Broth is a selective medium for the detection of coliforms in water and wastewater. This formulation is based on the Mallmann and Darby formulation. (1) The tryptone provides the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins in this medium. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance whilst the dipotassium hydrogen phosphate and potassium hydrogen phosphate act as buffers. Sodium lauryl sulphate is a selective again used to inhibit non-coliforms. References (1) Mallmann, W. L. and Darby, C. W. 1941. Uses of a lauryl sulphate tryptose broth for the detection of coliform organisms. Am J. Public Health. 31:127
  • LB agar (Lennox) is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli and is based on the formulation stated by Lennox. This medium is typically used in molecular biology procedures such as the detection of phage or plasmid transformed bacteria. LB agar (Lennox) is prepared using 5 g/L of sodium chloride and this level varies from that described by Miller. This allows for additional sodium chloride to be added at the point of preparation if required. Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon for organism growth. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of E. coli are supplied by the yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport. Related Supplements : LS0035 Ampicillin Selective Supplement, LS0037 Kanamycin Selective Supplement
  • Luria Bertani (LB) agar (Miller) is used for the cultivation and maintenance of recombinant strains of Escherichia coli and is based on the formulation stated by Miller. This medium is typically used in molecular biology procedures such as the detection of phage or plasmid transformed bacteria. LB agar (Miller) is prepared using 10 g/L of sodium chloride and this level varies from that described by Lennox. Enzymatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen and carbon for organism growth. Vitamin B complex required by recombinant strains of E. coli are supplied by the yeast extract. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and provides sodium ions for membrane transport. Related Supplements : LS0035 Ampicillin Selective Supplement, LS0037 Kanamycin Selective Supplement
  • Letheen agar modified is intended for use in the isolation of microorganisms from cosmetics. The casein peptone, meat peptone, beef extract and yeast extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Glucose is a fermentable carbohydrate. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. The sodium bisulfite, lecithin and polysorbate 80 inactivates quaternary ammonium compounds. Polysorbate 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene, and in combination with the lecithin, ethanol.
  • KM0206

    Letheen Broth

    Letheen broth when prepared with polysorbate 80 is used for the testing of quaternary ammonium compounds for antimicrobial activity. Letheen broth is recommended by the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). (1) The enzymatic digest of animal tissue and beef extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. Lecithin inactivates quaternary ammonium compounds. Polysorbate 80 must be added to the medium prior to sterilisation. Polysorbate 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene, and in combination with the lecithin, ethanol. REFERENCE (1) Association of Official Analytical Chemists. 1995. Official methods of analysis, 16th ed. Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, D.C
  • Letheen broth modified is intended for use in the isolation of microorganisms from cosmetics. The enzymatic digest of animal tissue, enzymatic digest of casein, yeast extract and beef extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance of the medium. The sodium bisulfite and lecithin inactivates quaternary ammonium compounds. Polysorbate 80 must be added to the medium prior to sterilisation. Polysorbate 80 neutralises phenols, formalin, hexachlorophene, and in combination with the lecithin, ethanol.
  • Long and Hammer agar is for the detection of aerobic microorganisms in fish and fish products. This media is recommended for the determination of spoilage organisms in fresh and lightly preserved seafoods. (1) The proteose peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Gelatine is a protein source and solidifying agent. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and di-potassium hydrogen phosphate is a buffer. 1) Nordic Committee on Food Analysis. (2006) Aerobic count and specific spoilage organisms in fish and fish products. NMKL Method No 184
  • This medium was first introduced by MacConkey in 1905 for the isolation and differentiation of lactose and non-lactose fermenting enteric bacteria containing swarming strains of Proteus spp. MacConkey agar without salt and crystal violet is a differential medium that restricts swarming of Proteus spp. as sodium chloride is omitted from the medium to provide an electrolyte deficient medium. The omission of crystal violet permits the growth of Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp. The peptone is the nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source in this medium. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate. Lactose fermentation causes a local pH drop around the colonies which will react with the pH indicator, neutral red, and hence aids in differentiation. Bile salts act as the selective agent. Related Supplements : LS0189 Cefotaxime Supplement (1mg/L)
  • Mannitol Salt Agar is selective medium for the isolation of pathogenic staphylococci. The medium conforms to the requirements of the Harmonised USP/EP/JP. Chapman showed that adding a high level of sodium chloride to Phenol Red Mannitol Agar allowed for the recovery of pathogenic staphylococci. Pathogenic staphylococci produced yellow colonies whereas non-pathogenic staphylococci produced small red colonies. Pancreatic digest of casein, peptic digest of animal tissue and beef extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. The high level of sodium chloride inhibits most organisms other than staphylococci. Mannitol is a carbohydrate that is fermented by coagulase positive staphylococci. Phenol red is the pH indicator.
  • KM0062

    Marine Agar

    Marine agar is a medium used to support the growth of numerous marine bacteria. Originally formulation by ZoBell (1), its high saline levels are to simulate a close approximation of seawater which allows the marine bacteria to grow (2). The sodium chloride and marine minerals provide the high salinity needed for marine bacteria to thrive and aims to simulate sea water. The peptones provide the necessary nitrogen, amino acids and vitamins for growth. Agar is the solidifying agent. References (1) ZoBell, C.E. 1941. Studies on Marine Bacteria. I. The cultural requirements of heterotrophic aerobes. J. Mar. Res. 4, 42-75. (2) Lyman, J. and Fleming, R. H. 1940. Composition of Seawater. J. Mar. Res. 3, 134-146
  • Mueller Hinton agar is used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing by the disk diffusion method as described by Bauer-Kirby. It has been approved as the definitive medium for this purpose by the European Committee on Anitmicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). This formulation conforms to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). Beef extract and acid hydrolysate of casein provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins in the medium. Starch absorbs any toxic metabolites produced. The medium contains low levels of thymidine and thymine and controlled levels of calcium and magnesium ions. The base medium can be supplemented with blood (5 – 10%). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) may be added at 20 mg/L to make the medium suitable for use with more fastidious organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (LS0005). Related Supplements : LS0005 NAD Supplement (20mgs/L), Defibrinated Horse Blood
  • A general-purpose medium for the cultivation of organisms that are less fastidious in their nutritional requirements. The beef extract, peptone and yeast extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • Nutrient Broth No.2 is used for the cultivation of fastidious pathogens and other microorganisms. This general use medium, rich in nutrients, allows the growth of bacteria when there is a low level of cells. The medium is particularly suitable as a secondary growth medium for staphylococci to be tested for coagulase production and also be used for sterility testing of aerobic organisms. Beef extract and peptone provide the required carbon, nitrogen and vitamins. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.  
  • Recent developments in culture media have given rise to the use of chromogenic substrates as a means of differentiating bacteria particularly among the coliform group of organisms. This is one such medium and has been developed with the aim of simplifying the differentiation and presumptive identification of the main organisms usually found in Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The peptone is the source of the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Based on the traditional CLED medium, to prevent the swarming of Proteus spp., two chromogens are present in the medium. One allows the detection of enterococci giving rise to blue colonies whilst the second results in purple colonies of E. coli. Phenylalanine and tryptophan are also included as indicators of tryptophan deaminase activity producing brown colonies of Proteus spp. Related Supplements : SHS500 Sterile Horse Serum 500ml
  • Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is one of several media available for theisolation of yeasts and fungi suitable for use in all areas of mycology. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar is a modification of a medium originally described by Sabouraud. The tryptone and meat peptone provide the nitrogen and vitamins required for organism growth in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. The high concentration of dextrose is included as an energy source and in tandem with the acidic pH (5.6) facilitates the growth of fungi whilst providing limited selective properties. Higher levels of selectivity can be achieved against bacterial species by the addition of chloramphenicol. NB: This is a basic medium only and contains no additional supplements. Related Supplements : LS0050 Chloramphenicol Selective Supplement
  • Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol is a selective media for the isolation of yeasts and fungi suitable for use in all areas of mycology. Sabouraud dextrose agar is a modification of a medium originally described by Sabouraud.(1) The tryptone and meat peptone provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. The high concentration of dextrose is included as an energy source and in tandem with the acidic pH (5.6) facilitates the growth of fungi whilst providing limited selective properties.(2) Chloramphenicol is included to increase the selectivity of the media inhibiting a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. References (1) Sabouraud, R. 1892. Ann. Dermatol. Syphilol. 3:1061. (2) Jarett, L., and A. C. Sonnenwirth (eds.). 1980. Gradwohl’s and parasitic infections, 7th ed. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C.
  • Sabouraud liquid medium USP is used in sterility testing for the detection of moulds, yeasts and acidophilic microorganisms in pharmaceutical products. This medium is also used for non-sterile testing and for the determination of fungistatic activity. Sabouraud liquid medium USP conforms to the USP and Harmonised Pharmacopeia. The peptic digest of animal tissue and pancreatic digest of casein provides the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. The high concentration of dextrose is included as an energy source and in tandem with the acidic pH (5.6) facilitates the growth of fungi whilst providing limited selective properties.
  • Developed by Leifson, selenite F broth is a medium for the selective enrichment of Salmonella spp. from both clinical and food samples. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Lactose is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium phosphate is a buffer. The medium is made selective by the addition of sodium biselenite (KM8021). Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media.  
  • Selenite mannitol broth is a modification of selenite broth and is for the selective enrichment of Salmonellae spp. from clinical, food and environmental specimens. Comparisons have shown that mannitol selenite broth is better than other enrichment broths for the isolation of Salmonellae spp. The peptone acts as a nitrogen, carbon and vitamin source. Mannitol is a fermentable carbohydrate and sodium phosphate is a buffer. The medium is made selective by the addition of sodium biselenite (KM8021). The fermentation of mannitol by Salmonellae spp. is said to correct the alkaline pH swing which can occur during incubation. Following overnight incubation subculture(s) are usually made on to one or more of the many selective enteric solid media.
  • Sheep Blood Agar Base has been developed to provide a nutrient rich medium compatible with sheep blood for the cultivation of many bacteria, especially fastidious Streptococcus spp., without affecting haemolytic reactions. Alternative culture mediums, such as Blood agar base No. 2, can results in mixed haemolytic reactions for some Streptococcus spp. This is thought to occur due to the trace amounts of fermentable carbohydrates in yeast extract and the physiological difference between sheep and horse blood. The tryptone, peptone, and yeast extract provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins in the medium. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance. Related Supplements : LS0008 Staph/Strep Selective Supplement
  • Trichomonas medium is based on the formula described by Kupferburg, Johnson and Sprince for the selective isolation of Trichomonas spp. (1) The tryptone and liver extract act as carbon, nitrogen and vitamin sources in this medium. Maltose is a fermentable carbohydrate. The agar and cysteine HCl reduce the oxygen tension in the medium which aids the growth of trichmonads. Methylene blue is a redox indictor and allows for the visualisation of any significant oxygen diffusion in the medium. The addition of selective agents such as chloramphenicol is recommended to inhibit bacterial species that may be present in specimens. References 1) Kupferberg, A.B. Johnson, G., and Sprince, H. 1948. Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. Med., 67:304-308
  • Triple sugar iron agar is used to differentiate between some of the enterobacteriacae on the basis of four reactions: fermentation of lactose, glucose and sucrose and the production of hydrogen sulphide. Beef extract, yeast extract and peptone provide the required nitrogen, carbon and vitamins. Lactose, sucrose and glucose are carbohydrates. Acid production from their fermentation is detected by the phenol red pH indictor. Sodium thiosulphate is reduced to hydrogen sulphide which is detected by the ferric citrate indicator. Sodium chloride maintains osmotic balance.