Lowenstein Jensen Pyruvate Medium is an egg-based medium for the cultivation of Mycobacterium spp., particularly Mycobacterium bovis.
Lowenstein Jensen Pyruvate Medium is based on the original formulation of Löwenstein that was later modified by Jensen. It differs from Lowenstein Jensen Medium (BM0200) in that sodium pyruvate has replaced the glycerol, which has been demonstrated to be inhibitory to some species, particularly M. bovis. Lowenstein Jensen Pyruvate Medium can be used for the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections, testing antibiotic susceptibility of isolates, and differentiating different species of Mycobacterium (by colony morphology, growth rate, biochemical characteristics, and microscopy). It is recommended by Public Health England as a standard media for the investigation of specimens for Mycobacterium species.
The coagulation of the egg albumin during preparation provides a solid surface for inoculation purposes. L-Asparagine and soluble starch are sources of nitrogen and vitamins. Potassium di-hydrogen phosphate and magnesium sulphate enhance organism growth and act as buffers. Sodium pyruvate is added to serve as a carbon source in place of glycerol. The egg mixture also provides essential fatty acids and protein to support the growth of mycobacteria. Malachite green is incorporated into the medium to exert an inhibitory effect on organisms other than mycobacteria.
