LEVINE EMB Agar (Eosin Methylene-blue Lactose Agar acc. to LEVINE)
For the isolation and differentiation of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter and for the rapid identification of Candida
albicans according to LEVINE (1918, 1921). in vitro diagnosticum – See also General Instruction of Use For professional use only Warnings and precautions see ChemDAT® (www.chemdat.info)
The culture medium complies with the recommendations of the APHA Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Appearance of Colonies Microorganisms
Wastewater (1998) and the United States Pharmacopeia XXVI (2003). Principle Mode of Action
The dyes contained in this medium inhibit the growth of many
accompanying Gram-positive microorganisms. According to WELD (1952, 1953) and VOGEL and MOSES (1957), LEVINE EMB
Agar can be used to identify Candida albicans in clinical speci-mens, if chlorotetracycline hydrochloride is added to inhibit the
Colourless, "pin-point" colonies Coagulase-positive
entire accompanying bacterial flora. LEVINE EMB Agar can also
be utilized for the identification of coagulase-positive staphylo-cocci which grow characteristically as colourless "pin-point"
"Spidery" - or "feathery"
colonies and which show good agreement with the results of the coagulase test (MENOLASINO et al. 1960).
Other Candida species. Sometimes Nocardia
Typical Composition (g/litre) Peptone from gelatine 10.0; lactose 10.0; di-potassium hydrogen Literature
phosphate 2.0; eosin, yellowish 0.4; methylene blue 0.065; agar-
American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and
Water Pollution Control Federation: Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th ed., Washington 1998. Preparation and Storage
LEVINE, M.: Differentation of E. coli and A. aerogenes on a simplified eosin-
Usable up to the expiry date when stored dry and tightly closed
methylene blue agar. - J. Infect. Dis., 23; 43-47 (1918).
at +15 to +25° C. Protect from light.
LEVINE, M.: Bacteria fermenting lactose and the significance in water
After first opening of the bottle the content can be used up to the
analysis. - Bull., 62; Iowa State College Engr. Exp. Station (1921).
expiry date when stored dry and tightly closed at +15 to +25° C.
MENOLASINO, N.I., GRIEVES, B., a PAYNE, P.: Isolation and Identification
Suspend 36 g/litre, autoclave (15 min at 121 °C), and pour plates.
of coagulase-positive staphylococci on Levine's eosin-methylene blue agar. - J. Lab. Clin. Med., 56 (6); 908-910 (1960).
VOGEL, R.A., a. MOSES, M.R.: Welds method for the rapid identification of
Candida albicans in clinical materials. - Am. J. Clin. Path., 28 (1); 103-106 (1957).
If cultivating Candida, add 0,1 mg tetracycline hydrochloride/litre after autoclaving and mix homogeneously. The culture
WELD, J.T.: Candida albicans. Rapid identification in pure cultures with carbon dioxyde on modified eosin-methylene blue medium. - Arch. Dermat. Syph., 66; 691-694 (1952). Specimen
WELD, J.T.: Candida albicans. Rapid identification in cultures made directly from human materials. - Arch. Dermat. Syph., 67 (5); 473-478 (1953).
United States Pharmacopeia XXVI, Chapter "Microbial Limit Tests", 1985.
Clinical specimen collection, handling and processing, see general instruction of use. Experimental Procedure and Evaluation Inoculate by thinly spreading the sample material on the surface of the culture medium.
Incubation: 1-2 days at 35 °C aerobically.
To obtain a primary culture of Candida, incubate the plates containing chlorotetracycline in a 10 % carbon dioxide atmosphere (e.g. with Anaerocult® C or C mini). Merck Microbiology Manual 12th Edition LEVINE EMB Agar (Eosin Methylene-blue Lactose Agar acc. to LEVINE) Ordering Information Merck Cat. No. Pack size
Methylene-blue Lactose Agar acc. to LEVINE)
Quality control Test strains Colonies Metallic sheen Merck Microbiology Manual 12th Edition
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