Lab M's Fastidious Anaerobe Agar is recognised as a Gold Standard medium for the primary isolation of fastidious anaerobic organisms. It is capable of growing most clinically significant anaerobes and comparative studies have shown it to be superior to other formulations. (Heginbotham et al., 1990)

This high performance has been achieved by careful selection of all components: peptones are chosen for maximum growth stimulation; starch and sodium bicarbonate act as detoxifying agents; haemin encourages pigment production in Porphyromonas asaccharolytica.

• Cysteine for Fusobacterium necrophorum, Propionibacterium acne and Bacteroides fragilis
  
• Arginine for Eubacterium spp.
  
• Soluble pyrophosphate for Porph. gingivalis and Porph. asaccharolytica
  

The inclusion of sodium pyruvate not only helps neutralise hydrogen peroxide, it also acts as an energy source for Veillonella and other organisms. Vitamin K and sodium succinate provide essential growth factors for some anaerobes as does the 0.1% glucose. This low level of glucose prevents excess acid and alcohol production, which can inhibit colony development.

Lab M produces a complete range of media for the isolation and enrichment of fastidious anaerobes, including Fastidious Anaerobe Broth (FAB). For full details contact Lab M using contact details at the top of this page.

Reference:
Heginbotham M., Fitzgerald, T.C. and Wade, W.G. (1990). Comparison of solid media for the culture of anaerobes. Journal of Clinical Pathology 43(3):253-256