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These media are used in qualitative procedures for isolation of Legionella species from clinical and nonclinical specimens.

Charcoal Yeast Extract (CYE) Agar was developed by Feely et al. in 1979 as a modification of an existing medium, F-G Agar.^1,2 They replaced the starch in the F-G agar with activated charcoal and substituted yeast extract for casein hydrolysate, resulting in better recovery of L. pneumophila. In 1980, Pasculle reported that CYE Agar could be improved by buffering the medium with ACES Buffer.³ A year later, Edelstein further increased the sensitivity of the medium by adding alpha-ketoglutarate.⁴ BCYE Agar is based on Edelstein's modified formulation.

BCYE Selective Agar w/ CCVC is a highly selective medium consisting of BCYE Agar supplement with cephalothin, colistin, vancomycin and cycloheximide. This medium is based on the formulation of Bopp et al.⁵ They obtained improved recovery of L. pneumophila by using the selective medium in conjunction with an acid wash treatment to reduce the contaminating microbial flora present in environmental water samples.

BCYE Selective Agar with PAC was developed by Edelstein for isolation of Legionella species from specimens containing mixed flora.⁴ He found that BCYE Agar supplemented with polymyxin B, cefamandole and anisomycin enhanced the recovery of L. pneumophila from contaminated clinical specimens. In conjunction with an acid wash treatment to reduce microbial flora, it also facilitated the recovery of the bacterium from potable water.

BCYE Selective Agar with PAV is similar to the Edelstein formula, above, except that the concentration of polymixin B is reduced by half, and vancomycin is substituted for cefamandole.

BCYE Differential Agar is used for the presumptive identification and differentiation of Legionella species based on colony morphology and color.⁶ This medium is based on the formulation of Vickers, et al.⁷, and consists of the dyes bromcresol purple and bromthymol blue added to BCYE Agar.

Legionella Selective Agar was developed by BD Diagnostics for isolation of Legionella species from materials containing mixed flora. Consisting of BCYE Agar supplemented with the antimicrobics vancomycin, colistin and anisomycin, it provides improved inhibition of contaminating bacteria without significantly inhibiting Legionella species.⁸

1. Examine plates for signs of deterioration as described under "Product Deterioration."

2. Check performance by inoculating a representative sample of plates with pure cultures of stable control organisms that produce known, desired reactions. The following test strains are recommended:

Quality control requirements must be performed in accordance with applicable local, state and/or federal regulations or accreditation requirements and your laboratory's standard Quality Control procedures. It is recommended that the user refer to pertinent NCCLS guidance and CLIA regulations for appropriate Quality Control practices.

*Adjusted and/or supplemented as required to meet performance criteria.

For in vitro Diagnostic Use.

If excessive moisture is observed, invert the bottom over an off-set lid and allow to air dry in order to prevent formation of a seal between the top and bottom of the plate during incubation.