7ml

This is an agar-based medium for the isolation of Mycobacterium spp. from veterinary samples; particularly the species primarily responsible for bovine TB, M.bovis. The medium is complex but includes L-Glutamic acid, Ammonium sulphate, Sodium citrate, Pyridoxine and Biotin as growth factors and Magnesium sulphate, Ferric ammonium citrate as sources of trace ions. Di-sodium phosphate and Mono-potassium phosphate are also present to maintain the pH of the medium. Further enrichment is provided by the addition of Oleic acid, Albumin and Dextrose. The medium is made selective by the inclusion of Ticarcillin, Polymyxin B, Trimethoprim and Amphotericin B. Malachite green is also incorporated to provide a colour contrast between the colonies and the medium as well as contributing some inhibitory effect on organisms other than mycobacteria. It should be noted that Glycerol is NOT added to this medium as Glycerol can be inhibitory for M.bovis when examining veterinary samples. However, this product contains Lysed sheep blood, Adult bovine serum and Sodium pyruvate to enhance the growth of M.bovis.

This is an egg-based medium for the isolation and presumptive identification of Mycobacterium spp particularly Mycobacterium bovis. This medium is used primarily in the veterinarian sector. The medium is based on the original formulation of Lowenstein that was subsequently modified by Jensen, the medium contains pyruvate and egg which provide the required protein and fatty acids. It differs from Lowenstein-Jensen Medium in that Sodium Pyruvate has replaced the Glycerol, which has been demonstrated to be inhibitory to some species, particularly M.bovis. The coagulation of the egg albumin during preparation also provides a solid surface for inoculation purposes. Malachite green is incorporated into the medium to inhibit contaminating organisms other than the mycobacteria that may still be present in the specimen after decontamination. Lowenstein-Jensen slopes should be inoculated with pre-treated specimens and incubated at 35-37°C for 8 weeks in 5-10% CO2. Container caps should be left loose for the first week of incubation to allow for circulation of the carbon dioxide as this will help to stimulate growth. Caps should then be tightened to prevent any dehydration of the medium.

This product may be used as an alternative pre-treatment solution to lessen the background flora of samples before the testing for Mycobacteria species. This reagent should only be used for samples that routinely produce contaminated cultures after processing with an alkaline digestant.