LOWENSTEIN JENSEN MEDIUM BASE (L. J. MEDIUM)

It is used for the isolation and cultivation of Mycobacterium species. This medium contains Penicillin and Nalidixic acid, which, along with malachite green, prevent the growth of the majority of contaminants surviving decontamination of the specimen while encouraging the earliest possible growth of Mycobacteria. This medium was originally formulated by Lowenstein, containing Congo red and malachite green dyes. Jensen modified Lowenstein’s medium by altering the citrate and phosphate contents, eliminating the Congo red dye, and increasing the malachite green concentration. Gruft further modified this medium with the addition of two antimicrobics to increase selectivity. This medium supports the growth of a wide variety of Mycobacteria and can also be used for niacin testing.

for isolation and cultivation of Mycobacterium species