MIDDLEBROOK 7H10 AGAR BASE, ‘TBL’

Solid media for Mycobacterial cultivation may be egg-based (Lowenstein Jensen Media) or agar-based (Middlebrook Media). Dubos and Middlebrook developed various formulations containing oleic acid and albumin, which protect Mycobacterium from toxic agents, helping for the growth of tubercle bacilli.
Middlebrook 7H10 Agar Base was formulated as per Middlebrook, Cohn et al reformed the original oleic acid-albumin agar and observed rapid and luxuriant growth of Mycobacterium species, which they called as 7H10. Kubica and Dye reported less contamination on 7H10 Agar than egg-based media commonly used for the cultivation of Mycobacteria. Middlebrook 7H10 Agar Base, Special was formulated by Middlebrook and Cohn. On enrichment with OADC Growth Supplement and glycerol, it is recommended for cultivation and sensitivity testing of M. tuberculosis.
Mycobacteria are strict aerobes and therefore increased CO2 tension and aerobic conditions must be provided during incubation. Care should be taken while decontamination of the specimen. Also proper specimen collection (sputum and not saliva) should be ensured. Samples should be carefully handled to avoid contamination.

for isolation, cultivation and sensitivity testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis