Legionella Agar Base w/o Charcoal

Legionella Agar Base w/o Charcoal is recommended for isolation of Legionella species with the addition of charcoal supplement.This medium was initially called as F-G agar was modified by Feely et al by replacing Starch with charcoal and casein hydrolysate with yeast extract which resulted in better recovery of Legionella pneumophila. Addition of ACES buffer helps in maintaining proper pH of the medium for the optimal growth of Legionella. Antibiotics in the supplement inhibits the growth of various contaminating bacteria and fungi.If desired, the medium can be made selective by aseptically adding rehydrated contents of 1 vial of either Legionella BMPA Selective Supplement (FD144) or Legionella (GVPC) Selective Supplement(FD143), or Legionella Selective Supplement (GVPN) (FD242) along with 1 vial of Legionella Growth Supplement (BCYE) (FD142) and Sterile Charcoal powder (FD280 ) to 430 ml sterile molten, cooled Legionella Agar Base (M1845). Simultaneously, a medium without L-Cysteine may be prepared by aseptically adding contents of 1 vial of Legionella Growth Supplement w/o L-Cysteine (FD206)