Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth is formulated as per the procedure described by Engley and Dey (1). Dey -Engley Neutralizing Broth is especially suited for environmental sampling where neutralization of the chemical is important to determine its bactericidal activity. A strongly bacteriostatic substance inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria without killing them. These bacteria hold the ability to cause infection under favorable conditions. Dey -Engley Neutralizing Broth Base a does not contain the neutralizing components.
The Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth neutralizes a broad spectrum of antiseptics and disinfectants including quaternary ammonium compounds, phenolics, iodine and chlorine preparations, mercurials, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde. Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth is used for the neutralization and testing of antiseptics and disinfectants according to the procedureof Engley and Dey (1).
Casein enzymic hydrolysate provides essential nutrients. Dextrose is an energy source. Yeast extract is also a rich source of vitamin B-complex. (1). Bromocresol purple is an indicator for dextrose utilization. Therefore, bromo cresol purple and dextrose are added to the medium. Those organisms that ferment dextrose will turn the medium from purple to yellow. (1).
Neutralization Test: For testing disinfectants, prepare two sets of test tubes, one containing 9 ml Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth (M1062) and other with 9 ml Dey-Engley Neutralizing Broth Base (M187). Add 1 ml of disinfectant under test. Mix well and allow it to stand for 15 minutes. Inoculate 0.1 ml of 1:100,000 dilution of overnight broth cultures and incubate at 37°C for 48 hours. Growth is indicated by a colour change from purple to yellow or pellicle formation. Growth in Neutralizing Broth and no growth in Neutralizing Broth Base indicate neutralization of disinfectant. To check bactericidal activity, both broth tubes are inoculated on D/E Neutralizing Agar (M186). Positive growth from negative tubes of Neutralizing Broth Base indicates bacteriostatic substance while negative growth indicates a bactericidal disinfectant. All positive tubes should show growth on Dey-Engley Neutralizing Agar. The control disinfectants used in test procedure are 2% chlorine, 2% formaldehyde, 1% glutaraldehyde, 2% iodine, 2% phenol, 1/750 quaternary ammonium compounds, 1/1000 mercurials etc.
Directions: Suspend 17.52 grams in 1000 ml distilled water. Heat if necessary to dissolve the medium completely. Sterilize by autoclaving at 15 lbs pressure (121°C) for 15 minutes. Mix well and dispense as desired.