BCYE
BCYE, or Buffered Charcoal Yeast Extract agar, is a selective and differential culture medium widely used in microbiology. Its primary purpose is to isolate and cultivate Legionella bacteria, a genus that includes the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease. The medium contains several key components that contribute to its effectiveness. Yeast extract provides essential nutrients for bacterial growth, while charcoal acts as a detoxifying agent, absorbing toxic substances that may be present in clinical or environmental samples, which can inhibit the growth of Legionella.
The buffering system, typically using potassium phosphate, helps maintain a stable pH, crucial for optimal Legionella
To enhance selectivity, BCYE agar is usually prepared in two forms: BCYE and BCYE/GVC. BCYE/GVC contains antibiotics