High grade Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract Agar Base is supplied by Micromaster. It is available in the form of a grey to black homogeneous free flowing powder with a pH in the range of 6.7 to 7.1. For maximum efficiency, it must be stored below 30C in tightly closed container.

Quantity provided: 100g /pack

Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract Agar Base with added supplements is used for selective cultivation of Legionella species from clinical and non-clinical specimens. Legionella species are non-spore forming, narrow, gram-negative rods. Legionella causes pneumonia (Legionnaires disease) or Pontiac fever. They do not oxidize or ferment carbohydrates in conventional media or grow on sheep blood agar. Better and rapid growth is observed on Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract Agar. Amino acids are the major sources of energy for Legionella. The amino acid L-cystine holds an absolute requirement as it plays major role in growth metabolism of Legionella. This amino acid as well as ferric pyrophosphate helps for the growth of Legionella. The media contains charcoal, which acts as a detoxicant. Yeast extract acts as a rich source of vitamins, nitrogen as well as carbon. ACES Buffer maintains optimal pH for growth while L-cystine hydrochloride; ferric pyrophosphate and -ketoglutarate stimulate growth of Legionella species. For selective isolation, antibiotic supplements can be used to suppress contaminating microorganisms. Legionella Selective Supplement II (CCVC) containing cephalothin, colistin, vancomycin and cycloheximide or Legionella Selective Supplement IV (MWY) containing glycine, polymyxin B, anisomycin, vancomycin, bromothymol blue and bromocresol purple are often used.