Egg Yolk Agar Medium For The Growth of Tubercle Bacilli

The use of egg yolk in nutrient agar simplifies the cultivation of Bacillus tuberculosis as well as of other bacteria that ordinarily require highly nutrient mediums. It can be used for both plates and slants.Comparative tests indicate that this method is much more certain than smears and not only as delicate as, but also much more prompt than, the inoculation of guinea-pigs. Initial cultures from a variety of infected exudates demonstrate that its value in clinical diagnosis is greater than that of smears. A moist atmosphere and a temperature ranging between 34 and 36 C. are essential for optimum growth of tubercle bacilli on the egg yolk agar described.