MIDDLEBROOK 7H11 AGAR BASE

Solid media for Mycobacterial cultivation may be egg-based (Lowenstein Jensen Media) or agar-based (Middlebrook Media). Dubos and Middlebrook developed various formulations containing oleic acid and albumin, which protect Mycobacterium from toxic agents, helping for the growth of tubercle bacilli. Middlebrook 7H11 Agar is a modification of Middlebrook 7H10 Agar used for the isolation, cultivation and sensitivity testing of M. tuberculosis. It was shown by Cohn et al that the addition of casein enzymic hydrolysate enhanced the growth of more fastidious M. tuberculosis strains, which in turn was helpful in drug susceptibility testing. The media is enriched by the addition of Middlebrook OADC Growth Supplement and glycerol.
Mycobacteria are strict aerobes and therefore increased CO2 tension and aerobic conditions must be provided during incubation. Care should be taken while decontamination of the specimen. Also proper specimen collection (sputum and not saliva) should be ensured. Samples should be carefully handled to avoid contamination.

for isolation, cultivation and sensitivity testing of Mycobacteria