Growth Media Type XLD Agar

Other common names

This product is widely known under the XLD agar, although it can be referred to as xylose lysine deoxycholate agar.

Primary Use

A moderately selective medium recommended for isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens, especially Shigella species.

Technical characteristics

The typical medium composition:

Fresh pH 7.4 ±0.2

Applications

XLD agar is a selective and differential medium for the isolation of enteric pathogens such as Shigella or Salmonella species from food, and environmental samples.

It relies on xylose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation and production of hydrogen sulphide for the primary differentiation of shigellae and salmonellae from non-pathogenic bacteria.

Desoxycholate is a selective agent which inhibits the growth of Gram-positive microorganisms.