MacCONKEY AGAR W/ MAGNESIUM SULPHATE

Description

MacConkey Agar is the earliest selective and differential medium for cultivation of enteric microorganisms from a variety of clinical specimens. The original medium contains protein, bile salts, sodium chloride and two dyes. Selectivity of the medium is attributed to crystal violet and bile salts. MacConkey Agar contains lactose with neutral red to distinguish the lactose-fermenting coliforms from the lactose non-fermenting Salmonella and Shigella groups. MacConkey Agar with Magnesium sulphate is a differential medium used for isolation and cultivation of gram-negative enteric organisms and gram-positive cocci from samples suspected of containing these organisms. This medium also limits the swarming of Proteus species due to the omission of sodium chloride.