KF Streptococcus Agar Base with BCP, 5 kg

Streptococci are spherical, gram-positive bacteria and form a part of the normal commensal flora of the mouth, skin, intestine, upper respiratory tract of humans. Streptococci found in the faeces form the faecal Streptococci and constitute of Streptococci with group D Lancefield antigens. The types include Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus faecium, Streptococcus bovis and Streptococcus duran . They are low-grade pathogens and rarely cause disease. However, they may cause urinary tract infection in catheterized patients; mixed abdominal wound infections following gut surgery; and endocarditis on abnormal valves. Kenner - Faecal (KF) Medium were developed by Kenner et al (1, 2) for detecting Streptococci in water and food materials. Proteose peptone along with yeast extract provide nitrogen, carbon, sulphur, amino acids, vitamins and trace ingredients to the faecal Streptococci. Lactose and maltose are the fermentable carbohydrates and therefore serve as energy sources. Sodium azide is a selective agent, which hampers the growth of gram-negative bacteria. 2,3,5-Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride is reduced to insoluble formazan by actively metabolizing cells, resulting in the formation of pink or red colonies. Bacteria resistant to azide, utilize lactose and / or maltose. The acidity so produced changes the colour of the indicator dyes to yellow. Bacterial cells reduce TTC to insoluble formazan, resulting in the formation of pink to red colonies. Samples can be directly streaked or sterile membrane filters through which the water samples have been passed are aseptically placed on the media. After an incubation at 35-37°C for 24-48 hours, Enterococci appear as pink to red colonies. After this presumptive identification, further confirmatory tests should be carried out (3,4). Storage and Shelf-life: Store below 30°C in tightly closed container and prepared medium at 2-8°C. Use before expiry period on the label. References: 1.Kenner B. A., Clark H. F. and Kabler P. W., 1960, Am. J. Public Health, 50:1553. 2. Kenner B. A., Clark H. F. and Kabler P. W., 1961, Appl. Microbiol., 9:15. 3.MacFaddin J. F., 1985, Media for Isolation-Cultivation-Identification-Maintenance of Medical Bacteria, Vol. 1, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore. 4.Facklam R. R. and Moody M. P., 1970, Appl. Microbiol., 20:245.