LITTMAN OXGALL AGAR w/ STREPTOMYCIN

INTENDED USE
Remel Littman Oxgall Agar w/ Streptomycin is a solid medium recommended for use in qualitative procedures for primary isolation and
cultivation of fungi, especially dermatophytes.

SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION

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In 1947, Littman described an agar medium neutral in reaction for selective isolation of pathogenic fungi, in particular dermatophytes.
Comparative studies demonstrated Littman Oxgall Agar is superior to Sabouraud dextrose agar for recovery of pathogenic fungi from heavily
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contaminated clinical sources. Littman Oxgall Agar is also useful for fungal population (enumeration) studies of air, soil, foodstuffs, and other
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materials of sanitary importance.

PRINCIPLE
Peptone supplies nitrogenous compounds and amino acids necessary for the growth of fungi. Crystal violet and streptomycin are selective
agents which inhibit bacterial overgrowth. Oxgall restricts spreading of fungal colonies and facilitates isolation in pure culture.

REAGENTS (CLASSICAL FORMULA)*

Oxgall .............................................................................. 15.0 g
Dextrose.......................................................................... 10.0 g
Peptone........................................................................... 10.0 g
pH 7.0 ± 0.2 @ 25°C
*Adjusted as required to meet performance standards.
Crystal Violet .................................................................0.01 g
Streptomycin..................................................................30.0 mg
Agar ...............................................................................20.0 g
Demineralized Water .................................................1000.0 ml

PROCEDURE
1. Inoculate and streak the specimen as soon as possible after it is received in the laboratory. Consult appropriate references for
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information regarding specimen processing and inoculation.
2. Inoculate selective and nonselective media for isolation of fungi from potentially contaminated sources.
3. Incubate medium at 25-30°C in an inverted position with increased humidity for 30 days or longer in an aerobic atmosphere.
4. Examine media every 4-6 days for fungal colonies exhibiting typical color and morphology.

Pour Tube: Melt the pour tube in a boiling water bath and cool to 45-50°C. Mix and dispense into a sterile petri dish and proceed with the
instructions above.

QUALITY CONTROL
All lot numbers of Littman Oxgall Agar w/ Streptomycin have been tested using the following quality control organisms and have been found to
be acceptable. Testing of control organisms should be performed in accordance with established laboratory quality control procedures. If
aberrant quality control results are noted, patient results should not be reported.

CONTROL INCUBATION RESULTS

®
Candida albicans ATCC 10231 Aerobic, up to 72 h @ 25-30°C Growth, purple colonies
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Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533 Aerobic, up to 72 h @ 25-30°C Growth
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Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Aerobic, up to 72 h @ 25-30°C Inhibition (partial to complete)

LIMITATIONS
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1. Subculture selected colonies to other mycology media for demonstration of conidia formation and for maintenance of the organism.
2. The use of Shrink-Seals (REF R522600) or gas-permeable tape to secure plates is recommended to prevent exogenous contamination,
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avoid moisture loss, and protect personnel from exposure to pathogenic molds.
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3. Do not use this medium to culture Nocardia asteroides, Streptomyces, or any other microorganisms sensitive to streptomycin.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Littman, M.L. 1947. Science. 106:109.
2. Littman, M.L. 1948. Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 18:409.
3. MacFaddin, J.F. 1985. Media for Isolation-Cultivation-Identification-Maintenance of Medical Bacteria. Vol. 1. Williams & Wilkins,
Baltimore, MD.
nd
4. Isenberg, H.D. 2004. Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook. 2 ed., Vol. 2. ASM Press, Washington, D.C.

Refer to the front of Remel Technical Manual of Microbiological Media for General Information regarding precautions, product storage and
deterioration, specimen collection, storage and transportation, materials required, quality control, and limitations.

ATCC® is a registered trademark of American Type Culture Collection.

IFU 9466, Revised October 2, 2008 Printed in U.S.A.

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