Brucella Agar Base, Modified, 2.5 kg

This medium is formulated so as to support luxuriant growth of fastidious bacteria like Campylobacter and Brucella species (1). Peptic digest of animal tissue, casein enzymic hydrolysate provide organic nitrogen to the organisms. Yeast extract also supply some nitrogenous nutrients but mainly it serves as a source of Vitamin B complex. Dextrose serves as an energy source. It can be enriched with 5% v/v sterile defibrinated horse blood. For selective isolation of Brucella species, antibiotic mixtures are incorporated into the base (2,3,4). Farrel and Robinson formulated a highly selective antibiotic medium (5). Ethyl violet and Circulin, which were recommended originally, are no longer used (6). When non-selective medium is required, Brucella Broth Base may be employed with the addition of serum only (i.e. without antibiotics). It is suggested in case of broth medium that half the tubes be incubated in the normal atmosphere, and half in a 10% CO2 enriched atmosphere. Brucella species are highly infectious and so extreme care should be taken while handling. All presumptive anaerobic organisms must be further confirmed by the tests. Storage and Shelf-life: Store below 30°C in tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 2 - 8°C. Use before expiry date on the label. References: 1. Finegold et al (Ed.), 1990, Bailey and Scotts Diagnostic Microbiology, 8th ed., The C.V. Mosby Co., St. Louis. 2. Jones L. M. and Brinley M.W.J., 1958, Bull. Wld. Hlth. Org., 19:200. 3. Kuzdas C.D., and Morse E.V., 1953, J. Bact., 66 (4):502. 4. Renoux G., 1954, Ann. Inst. Pasteur, 87 (3):325. 5. Farrell I.D. and Robinson L., 1972, J.Appl. Bact., 35:625. 6. Alton G.G. and Jones L.M., 1967, Lab Technique in Brucellosis WHO, Geneva.