MacConkey Agar, CS - 7391

MacConkey Agar, CS is used for the isolation and differentiation of Gram-negative enteric bacilli from specimens containing swarming strains of Proteus spp. in a laboratory setting. MacConkey Agar, CS is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions in humans. MacConkey Agar is based on the bile salt-neutral red-lactose agar of MacConkey. The original MacConkey medium was used to differentiate strains of Salmonella typhosa from members of the coliform group. Formula modifications improved growth of Shigella and Salmonella strains. These modifications include the addition of 0.5% sodium chloride, decreased agar content, altered bile salts, and neutral red concentrations. The formula modifications improved differential reactions between enteric pathogens and coliforms. MacConkey Agar, CS ("Controlled Swarming") contains carefully selected raw materials to reduce swarming of Proteus spp., which could cause difficulty in isolating and enumerating other Gram-negative bacilli.