This is a selective medium for the isolation and differentiation of bile tolerant Gram-negative (enteric) and Gram-positive (staphylococci and enterococci) organisms and has uses in all areas of bacteriology. This medium is recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Department of Health for the bacteriological examination of water.
It has the disadvantage that many strains of Proteus spp. will spread on it and for this reason MacConkey Agar without salt and crystal violet may be preferred (KM0011).