MacConkey Agar No. 3

Detect and enumerate coliform organisms, including E. coli, while isolating and detecting Salmonella and Shigella spp. in both pathological and food specimens using Thermo Scientific™ MacConkey Agar No. 3. One of the most famous formulations for detection of coliforms Salmonella and Shigella has improved its selectivity to Gram-positive organisms and is also a good medium for stool diagnostics.

Due to the inclusion of a specially prepared fraction of bile salts in addition to crystal violet, MacConkey Agar No. 3 is a highly selective medium for differentiating between coliforms and lactose and non-lactose fermenters while gram-positive cocci are completely inhibited.

Urinary tract infections, bacteremia, meningitis, and diarrheal disease are the most frequent clinical syndromes associated with Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli O157:H7 is associated with hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Escherichia coli is an aerobic, gram-negative bacillus most frequently isolated from the intestines of humans and animals. As a result, it is used as an indicator of fecal contamination in water sources. This pathogen readily grows on a variety of culture media.

Salmonella and Shigella are major causes of bacterial enteric illness. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, person-to-person contact, or by the ingestion of contaminated food or water. A relatively small number of organisms ingested is capable of causing symptomatic infection. Salmonella and Shigella are aerobic, gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacilli. Some Salmonella and all Shigella are nonmotile. These organisms grow on standard media, such as MacConkey Agar, SS Agar, and XLD Agar. Enrichment broths should also be used when culturing for these organisms to allow for maximum recovery.

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