Selective medium used to detect gram negative enteric bacteria. Contains both lactose and sucrose.
Description:
Eosin Methylene Blue Agar was first developed by Holt-Harris and Teague. This formula contains both lactose and sucrose with the two indicator dyes, eosin Y and methylene blue. Escherichia and Enterobacter species can be easily distinguished from other Gram negative enteric bacilli using this medium. EMB Agar contains two mildly selective dyes, eosin Y and methylene blue, which interact under strong acidic conditions to impart metallic sheen to Escherichia coli colonies. In addition, E coli produces dark blue-black colonies. Other coliforms produce mucoid, pinkish brown colonies. Non-lactose fermenting bacteria Salmonella and Shigella, produce translucent or colorless colonies. Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Plesiomonas and Yersinia also grow on this medium. Gram-positive bacteria are inhibited by eosin Y. The slow lactose fermenters also ferment sucrose which reduces the incidence of false-positive interpretations.
Storage:
Store the sealed bottle containing the dehydrated medium at 2 to 30.0 degrees C. Once opened and recapped, place the container in a low humidity environment at the same storage temperature. Protect it from moisture and light. The dehydrated medium should be discarded if it is not free flowing or if the color has changed from the original reddish-purple.
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