Isolate and identify Salmonella and Shigella spp. with Thermo Scientific™ XLD Agar, a selective medium that relies on xylose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation and production of hydrogen sulphide for the primary differentiation of shigellae and salmonellae from non-pathogenic bacteria.

XLD Agar is a selective media for the isolation and differentiation of Salmonella, relying on xylose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation and production of hydrogen sulfide for the primary differentiation of Shigella and Salmonella spp. from non-pathogenic bacteria. The sensitivity and selectivity of XLD Agar exceeds that of traditional plating media, e.g., Eosin Methylene Blue and Bismuth Sulphite agars, which tend to suppress the growth of shigellae. The recovery of salmonellae and shigellae is not obscured by profuse growth of other species; therefore, XLD Agar is ideal for the screening of samples containing mixed flora and suspected of harbouring enteric pathogens, e.g., medical specimens or food products. XLD Agar is recommended in the ISO 6579 testing of Salmonella and is tested according to ISO 11133-2.

Salmonella and Shigella are major causes of bacterial enteric illness with transmission occurring via the fecal-oral route, person-to-person contact, or by the ingestion of contaminated food or water. A relatively small number of organisms ingested is capable of causing symptomatic infection. Salmonella and Shigella are aerobic, gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacilli. Some Salmonella and all Shigella are non-motile.

This media is tested according to ISO 11133-2 and is recommended in the ISO 6579 for testing of Salmonella.