Actinomyces Agar

Intended Use

Recommended for cultivation and maintenance of the anaerobic Actinomyces species.

Composition**

Final pH (at 25°C): 6.9±0.2

**Formula adjusted, standardized to suit performance parameters

# Equivalent to Beef heart infusion, solids

Directions

Suspend 77.22 grams in 1000 ml purified / distilled water. Heat to boiling 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 (4). Actinomycetes form an integral part of soil, water and vegetation. Actinomycete development leads to the formation of volatile metabolites (1). Traces of these volatile metabolites are sufficient to impart disagreeable odour to water or a muddy flavour to fish (4). Actinomycetes also cause disruptions in wastewater treatment by forming massive growths, which are capable of producing thick foam in the activated sludge process (7,8) Actinomyces Agar is further modified and is recommended for the cultivation and maintenance of anaerobic Actinomycete species (2).

HM infusion solids B, tryptose, tryptone, yeast extract, starch and dextrose act as sources of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur, vitamins and other growth factors. The metallic salts provide essential electrolytes and minerals.

Type of specimen

Water samples; Soil sample

Specimen Collection and Handling

For water samples, follow appropriate techniques for sample collection and processing as per guidelines (3).

For soil samples, follow appropriate techniques for sample collection, processing as per guidelines and local standards.(9)

After use, contaminated materials must be sterilized by autoclaving before discarding.

Warning and Precautions

Read the label before opening the container. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/ face protection. Follow good microbiological lab practices while handling specimens and culture. Standard precautions as per established guidelines should be followed while handling specimens. Safety guidelines may be referred in individual safety data sheets.

Limitation

1. This medium is general purpose medium and may not support the growth of fastidious organisms.

Performance and Evaluation

Performance of the medium is expected when used as per the direction on the label within the expiry period when stored at recommended temperature.

Quality Control

Appearance: Cream to yellow homogeneous free flowing powder

Gelling: Firm, comparable with 2.0% agar gel.

Colour and Clarity of prepared medium: Yellow to light amber coloured clear to slightly opalescent gel forms in Petri plates.

Reaction: Reaction of 7.72% w/v aqueous solution at 25°C. pH : 6.9±0.2

pH: 6.70-7.10

Cultural Response

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

Storage and Shelf Life

Store between 10-30°C in a tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 20-30°C. Use before expiry date on the label. On opening, product should be properly stored dry, after tightly capping the bottle in order to prevent lump formation due to the hygroscopic nature of the product. Improper storage of the product may lead to lump formation. Store in dry ventilated area protected from extremes of temperature and sources of ignition. Seal the container tightly after use. Product performance is best if used within stated expiry period.

Disposal

User must ensure safe disposal by autoclaving and/or incineration of used or unusable preparations of this product. Follow established laboratory procedures in disposing of infectious materials and material that comes into contact with sample must be decontaminated and disposed of in accordance with current laboratory techniques (5,6).

Reference

1. Adams B. A., 1929, Water and Water Eng., 31:327.
2. Ajello L., Georg L. K., Kaplan W. and Kaufman L., 1963, CDC Lab Manual Med. Mycology, PHS Publication No. 994, CDC, Washington D.C.
3. Baird R.B., Eaton A.D., and Rice E.W., (Eds.), 2015, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 23rd ed., APHA, Washington, D.C.
4. Collee J. G., Fraser A. G., Marmion B. P., Simmons A., (Eds.), Mackie and McCartney, Practical Medical Microbiology, 1996, 14th Edition, Churchill Livingstone.
5. Isenberg, H.D. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook 2nd Edition.
6. Jorgensen, J.H., Pfaller, M.A., Carroll, K.C., Funke, G., Landry, M.L., Richter, S.S and Warnock., D.W. (2015) Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 11th Edition. Vol. 1.
7. Lechevalier H. A., 1975, Environ. Protection Technol. Ser., EPA-600/ 2-75-031, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio.
8. Lechevalier M. P., and Lechevalier H. A., 1974, Int. J. Syst.Bacteriol., 24:278.
9. Subba Rao N. S., 1977, Soil Microorganisms and Plant Growth, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi.