MOX AGAR

Description

Yersinia enterocolitica, a gram-negative coccobacillus shaped bacterium, is often isolated from clinical specimens such as wounds, faeces, sputum and mesenteric lymph nodes. It is a foodborne pathogen responsible for gastroenteritis. However, it is not a part of the normal human flora. Strains of Y. enterocolitica can be found in meats (pork, beef, lamb, etc.), oysters, fish, and raw milk. MOX Agar is formulated as per APHA for the cultivation of Y. enterocolitica, a causative agent of human illness caused due to consumption of contaminated food. Aseptically collected food samples are sealed in containers to prevent dehydration, contamination in transit and to protect handlers. In case of delay, refrigeration is preferable to freezing since the latter may result in cell injury. Yersinia is sensitive to acid conditions, therefore acid foods and fermented products should be analyzed promptly. Yersinia is a psychrotroph hence cold enrichment at 4?C has been commonly used as the incubation temperature.