Liofilchem® Legionella CYE Agar Base

The Liofilchem® Legionella CYE Agar Base is a dehydrated culture medium used with supplements for the detection, enumeration, and confirmation of presumptive Legionella colonies from clinical specimens and environmental samples. Formulated according to ISO 11731, it is essential for microbiology labs monitoring Legionella pneumophila and related species in water quality and clinical diagnostics.

When supplemented with Legionella BCYE Growth Supplement (Ref. 81056) or BCYE Growth Supplement without L-Cysteine (Ref. 81091), this medium provides reliable confirmation of Legionella spp. through selective growth and characteristic fluorescence.

Principle

• Yeast extract: provides amino acids, nitrogen, carbon, vitamins, and minerals for growth.
• Activated charcoal: neutralizes hydrogen peroxide (toxic to Legionella spp.), collects CO₂, and improves surface tension.
• Agar: solidifying agent for colony isolation.
• Selective confirmation: Colonies that grow on BCYE agar but not on BCYE without cysteine are regarded as Legionella.

Typical Formula (per L)

• Yeast Extract – 10.0 g
• Activated Charcoal – 2.0 g
• Agar – 12.0 g
• Final pH: 6.9 ± 0.4 at 25 °C

Key Features

• Complies with ISO 11731 (all parts) for Legionella detection.
• Supports growth and confirmation of Legionella spp. from clinical and environmental samples.
• Prevents multi-well plate evaporation during culture.
• Reliable fluorescence-based colony identification.
• Shelf life: 4 years when stored at 10–30 °C.

Applications

• Detection and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila and related spp.
• Confirmation of presumptive colonies from GVPC agar.
• Clinical microbiology for respiratory infections.
• Environmental monitoring of water systems, including cooling towers, spas, and hospital water supplies.

Specifications

Quality Control

• Legionella pneumophila WDCM 00107 – Growth on BCYE, inhibited on BCYE without cysteine.
• Legionella bozemanii NCTC 11368 – Growth on BCYE, inhibited on BCYE without cysteine.
• Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 25923 – Growth on both media.
• Escherichia coli ATCC® 25922 – Growth on both media.

The Liofilchem® Legionella CYE Agar Base provides a reliable and ISO-compliant medium for isolation, detection, and confirmation of Legionella spp.. With its robust formulation, compatibility with BCYE supplements, and long shelf life, it is an essential tool for clinical microbiology laboratories and environmental monitoring facilities tasked with Legionella surveillance and diagnostics.