INTENDED USE
- BacterChromTM ESBL Agar is a selective and differential chromogenic culture medium, intended for use in the qualitative direct detection of gastrointestinal colonization with Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-resistant Enterobacteria (ESBL) to aid in the prevention and control of ESBL in healthcare settings.
- The medium can also be used as an early warning indicator for diagnostic tests of infections to signal the possible presence of multi drug-resistant bacteria.
- BacterChromTM ESBL Agar is not intended to diagnose ESBL infection nor to guide nor monitor treatment for infections.
- The packaging with semi-permeable Cellophane film helps balance the humidity of the environment during storage.
PRINCIPLES
- BacterChromTM ESBL Agar contains a nutrient-rich base, selective agents, and chromogenic substrates for differentiation:Antibiotic mix (e.g., cefpodoxime): Inhibits non-ESBL-producing bacteria while allowing selective growth of ESBL-producing strains.Chromogenic and natural substrates: Facilitate direct identification of common ESBL-producing bacteria:
- Escherichia coli: Pink to reddish colonies (β-glucuronidase activity).
- Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia, Citrobacter (KESC group): Green, olive-brown, or blue colonies (β-glucosidase activity).
- Proteeae (Proteus, Providencia, Morganella): Dark to light brown colonies (deaminase activity).