Lactose Broth is is recommended by British pharmacopoeia(4) for selective pre-enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae as well as for E.coli and Salmonella in water, food and pharmaceutical products.The medium is used for detection of specified microorganisms of non-sterile products according to British Pharmacopoeia. This medium is also recommended by various other pharmacopoeia (5,6,7).
Lactose monohydrate broth is recommended by APHA in the performance and confirmation of the presumptive test for coliform bacteria in water (1), food (2) and milk (3). This medium can be used as an alternate to Buffered sodium chloride-peptone solution pH 7.00 for the revival of Enterobacteriaceae and gram negative bacteria. The medium is incubated for a time sufficient to revive the bacteria but not the multiplication of the bacteria. It is recommended to incubate the medium usually for 2 ours and not for more than 5 hours.(4)
Pancreatic digest of gelatin and beef extract supply essential nutrients to the organisms. Lactose monohydrate is a fermentable carbohydrate.
Storage and Shelf-life:
Store below 30°C in tightly closed container and the prepared medium at 2- 8°C. Use before expiry date on the label.
References:
1.Eaton A. D., Clesceri L. S. and Greenberg A W.,(Eds.), 2005, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st ed., APHA, Washington, D.C.
2.Downes F P and Ito K(Eds.), 2001, Compendium of Methods For The Microbiological Examination of Foods, 4th ed., APHA, Washington, D.C
3.Wehr H M and Frank J H., 2004, Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, 17th ed., APHA Inc., Washington, D.C.
4.British Pharmacopoeia, 2009, The Stationery office British Pharmacopoeia.
5.The United States Pharmacopoeia, 2008, The United States Pharmacopoeial Convention. Rockville, MD.
6.European Pharmacopoeia, 2008, European Department, for the quality of Medicines. 7.The Indian Pharmacopoeia 2007, Govt. of India, 2007. The Controller of Publication, Delhi.