Actinomyces Broth

Actinomyces broth is recommended for the cultivation and maintenance of the anaerobic Actinomyces species.

Composition**

Final pH ( at 25°C): 7.2±0.2

**Formula adjusted, standardized to suit performance parameters

Directions

Suspend 57.22 grams in 1000 ml distilled water. Heat if necessary to dissolve the medium completely. Distribute into tubes or flasks. Sterilize by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes.

Principle And Interpretation

Actinomycetes are gram positive bacteria which show marked chemical and morphological diversity but form a distinct evolutionary line of organisms that range from coccoid and pleomorphic forms to branched filaments (1). Actinomycetes form an integral part of soil, water and vegetation. Actinomycete development leads to the formation of volatile metabolites (2). Traces of these volatile metabolites are sufficient to impart disagreeable odour to water or a muddy flavour to fish (3). Actinomycetes also cause disruptions in wastewater treatment by forming massive growths, which are capable of producing thick foam in the activated sludge process (4, 5 ). Actinomyces Broth is a modification of the Maintenance Medium formulated by Pine and Watson (6). Actinomyces Broth is further modified and is recommended for the cultivation and maintenance of anaerobic Actinomycete species (7).

Actinomyces Broth contains beef heart infusion, casein enzymic hydrolysate, yeast extract, starch and dextrose, which act as sources of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, vitamins and other essential growth factors. The metallic salts provide essential electrolytes and minerals.

Quality Control

Appearance: Cream to yellow homogeneous free flowing powder

Colour and Clarity of prepared medium: Yellow to light amber coloured slightly opalescent solution with a slight precipitate forms in tubes.

Reaction: Reaction of 5.72% w/v aqueous solution at 25°C. pH : 7.2±0.2

pH: 7.00-7.40

Cultural Response: M233: Cultural characteristics observed after an incubation at 25-30°C for 40-72 hours.(*- incubated anaerobically)

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 label.

Reference

1. Collee J. G., Fraser A. G., Marmion B. P., Simmons A., (Eds.), Mackie and McCartney, Practical Medical Microbiology, 1996, 14th Edition, Churchill Livingstone.
2. Adams B. A., 1929, Water and Water Eng., 31:327.
3. Eaton A. D., Clesceri L. S. and Greenberg A. W., (Eds.), 2005, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st Ed., APHA, Washington, D.C.
4. Lechevalier H. A., 1975, Environ. Protection Technol. Ser., EPA-600/ 2-75-031, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio.
5. Lechevalier M. P., and Lechevalier H. A., 1974, Int. J. Syst.Bacteriol., 24:278.
6. Pine L., and Watson S. J., 1959, J. Lab. Clin. Med., 54(1), 10
7. Ajello L., Georg L. K., Kaplan W. and Kaufman L., 1963, CDC Lab Manual Med. Mycology, PHS Publication No. 994, CDC, Washington D.C.