This is an egg-based medium for the isolation and presumptive identification of Mycobacterium spp., particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, from clinical samples.
Based on the original formulation of Lowenstein that was subsequently modified by Jensen, the medium contains glycerol and egg which provide the required protein and fatty acids.
The coagulation of the egg albumin during preparation also provides a solid surface for inoculation purposes.
Malachite green is incorporated into the medium to inhibit contaminating organisms other than the mycobacteria that may still be present in the specimen after decontamination.
Lowenstein Jensen Medium slopes should be inoculated with pre-treated specimens and incubated at 35-37°C for 8 weeks in 5-10% CO2.
Container caps should be left loose for the first week of incubation to allow for circulation of the carbon dioxide as this will help to stimulate growth.
Caps should then be tightened to prevent any dehydration of the medium
Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) Medium
Additional Information
| Container | |
|---|---|
| Volume | |
| Shelf Life (days) | |
| Storage Temp (°C) | |
| Appearance | Liquid |
| Colour | |
| pH | |
| Recommended Incubation | Incubate aerobically, enriched with 4-6% CO2 at 37 ± 1°C for 3 weeks. |
Product Description
| Organisms | Ref. No | Result |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | ATCC 35818 | Growth: Cream colonies with a rough surface |
| Mycobacterium bovis | NCTC 5692 | Growth: Cream colonies with a rough surface |
| Mycobacterium kansasii | NCTC 13024 | Growth: Cream colonies with a rough surface |
| Mycobacterium fortuitum | NCTC 10394 | Growth: Cream colonies with a rough surface |
| Mycobacterium intracellulare | NCTC 10682 | Growth: Cream colonies with a rough surface |
Recommended incubation: Incubate in 5% CO₂ at 37 ± 1°C for 3-4 weeks
