Neogen® APT Agar

APT Agar is used for the cultivation of heterofermentative lactobacilli in a laboratory setting. APT Agar is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans.

Evans and Niven investigated the cultivation of heterofermentative lactobacilli, causing the faded or green discoloration of cured meat products. Deibel, Evans, and Niven tested thiamine-requiring bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus viridescens. Their formulations led to the development of APT Agar.

Lactic acid bacteria, a group of acid-producing bacteria, include the genera Streptococcus, Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Lactobacillus. These organisms are widespread in nature, associated with bacterial spoilage of foods including dairy products, meat, and vegetables. APT Agar is used for cultivating heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria from food products.