EMB AGAR, LEVINE PLATE

EMB Agar, Levine Plate is a differential and selective medium used for the isolation, enumeration and differentiation of members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is commonly used to distinguish lactose fermenters such as Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes from non lactose fermenters. It is also recommended by the APHA for the detection and enumeration of coliforms. The medium can also be utilized for the rapid presumptive identification of Candida albicans when incubated under appropriate conditions.
The eosin Y and methylene blue dyes inhibit the growth of many Gram-positive bacteria and serve as a differential indicator of lactose fermentation. Lactose fermenters absorb the dye and form dark purple to black colonies, non-fermenters remain colourless or produce translucent colonies. Nutrients are provided by a peptic digest of animal tissue and phosphate maintains the pH of the medium, which facilitates consistent growth and differentiation.
Levine EMB Agar allows for clear differentiation of colonies to aid in identification of target microorganisms in microbiological analysis. Isolated colonies should be confirmed by appropriate biochemical or serological tests for accurate identification. Thus, this medium is very good option for routine laboratory testing as well as for quality control.

Designed for the selective isolation, enumeration, and differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae based on lactose fermentation, enabling reliable identification of coliform bacteria.