Thermo Scientific™ Decarboxylase Broth (Moeller) Base Control

Description

• Differentiate gram-negative bacilli based on their enzymatic ability to decarboxylate different amino acids using Thermo Scientific™ Remel™ Decarboxylase Broth Base Control
• In 1955, Moeller developed the amino acid decarboxylase media to detect production of lysine and ornithine decarboxylase and arginine dihydrolase 1
• These media are used to differentiate bacterial groups within the Enterobacteriaceae 2
• Ewing, Davis, and Edwards reported Moeller's formulation to be more reliable for differentiating Klebsiella and Enterobacter as compared to other media tested 3
• The Moeller method is considered the standard or reference method for determining the decarboxylase reactions of the Enterobacteriaceae
• This medium acts as a control for decarboxylase broths containing an amino acid
• However, decarboxylase tests can only be performed with microorganisms that can metabolize glucose to produce acid since an acid environment is required for decarboxylase enzyme activity to occur 2
• Recommended as the standard or reference method for determining decarboxylase reactions of Enterobacteriaceae
• Ready to Use: Convenience of prepared media
• Basal medium: Acts as a control to decarboxylase broths containing an amino acid
• Ease of Identification: Visual detection of color change
• This basal medium contains meat peptone and beef extract that provide the nitrogenous nutrients required for bacterial growth
• Dextrose acts as a source of energy and fermentable carbohydrate
• Bromcresol purple and cresol red are pH indicators
• Pyridoxal is an enzyme cofactor which enhances decarboxylase activity 4
• When an organism ferments dextrose, acids are produced which lower the pH, resulting in a color change from purple to yellow in this broth, which acts as a control for decarboxylase broths containing an amino acid
• In these broths the acidic environment promotes decarboxylation of the amino acid forming alkaline end-products (amines)
• This causes the medium to revert to its original color (purple)
• Not all products are available for sale in all territories
• Please inquire
• Remel™ and Oxoid™ products are now part of the Thermo Scientific brand.