MacCONKEY AGAR “TBL”

MacConkey Agar “TBL” Plate is a selective and differential culture medium formulated for the cultivation and differentiation of enteric bacteria from clinical specimens. This is different from classical MacConkey Agar, as this is conducive to growth of Gram-positive bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis, and at the same time provides dependable differentiation between lactose-fermenting and non-lactose-fermenting. It can also be used for microbiological analysis of food, water, dairy products, and pharmaceutical preparations.
The medium contains a peptic digest of animal tissue providing amino acids, vitamins, minerals, coenzymes and other nutrients necessary to microbial growth. Lactose is the fermentable carbohydrate and allows differentiation on acid production. Sodium taurocholate provides selectivity by inhibiting most gram-positive bacteria, while the absence of crystal violet allows organisms such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Mycobacterium species to grow. The formulation is also free from sodium chloride creating a low electrolyte environment that prevents the swarming of Proteus species. Neutral red acts as the pH indicator, producing pink to red colonies from lactose fermenters, while non-lactose fermenters are colourless and transparent.
Its optimised formulation ensures reliable recovery, efficient differentiation, and distinct colony morphology, making it a dependable medium for routine microbiological testing and quality control.

Provides selective cultivation and clear differentiation of enteric bacteria while supporting the recovery of Enterococcus faecalis and other Gram-positive organisms.