A differential medium for the enumeration of homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic Acid bacteria

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1987 Jun;53(6):1382-4. doi: 10.1128/aem.53.6.1382-1384.1987.

Abstract

A medium was developed for the differential enumeration of homofermentative and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria. Essential components of the medium included fructose (14 mM), KH(2)PO(4) (18 mM), bromcresol green (as a pH indicator), and other nutrients to support growth. In agar medium, homofermentative colonies were blue to green, while heterofermentative colonies remained white. A total of 21 Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Leuconostoc, and Streptococcus species were correctly classified with the medium.