Oxoid™ XLD Agar 500g

XLD Agar (Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate Agar) is a selective medium used for the isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species from clinical specimens and food samples. The formulation allows for primary differentiation based on xylose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation, and hydrogen sulfide production, enabling clear distinction between pathogenic and non-pathogenic enteric bacteria.

The inclusion of sodium deoxycholate serves to inhibit the growth of coliforms while maintaining the ability to support the growth of Salmonella and Shigella species.

Both Salmonella and Shigella are significant causes of bacterial enteric infections, typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route, direct person-to-person contact, or consumption of contaminated food or water.

Applications:

Use XLD Agar for the screening of specimens that may contain mixed microbial flora, such as clinical samples or food products, particularly when enteric pathogens are suspected.

Features:

• Clear colony differentiation:

  • Salmonella: Red colonies with black centers

  • Shigella: Red colonies

  • Other coliforms: Yellow, opaque colonies

• Enhanced sensitivity and selectivity:

  • Outperforms traditional media such as Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) and Bismuth Sulphite Agar, which may inhibit Shigella growth.

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