**Introduction to Lactose Broth** Lactose Broth is a versatile microbiological culture medium used primarily for the detection of coliform bacteria in water, food, and environmental samples. Enriched with lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, it supports the growth of lactose-fermenting organisms while inhibiting non-target microbes. The medium is widely employed in presumptive testing, particularly in the Most Probable Number (MPN) method, to assess microbial contamination. Its simple yet effective formulation promotes gas and acid production by coliforms, aiding in their identification. Lactose Broth complies with international standards, making it a reliable choice for quality control in laboratories, public health monitoring, and industrial applications.
Preparation Process: To prepare **Lactose Broth**, dissolve the following ingredients in **1 liter of distilled water**: - **10.0 g** peptone - **5.0 g** beef extract - **5.0 g** lactose - **2.5 g** sodium chloride Heat gently to dissolve completely. Adjust the pH to **6.9 ± 0.2** using **1N NaOH or HCl**. Dispense **10 mL** aliquots into test tubes containing **Durham tubes** for gas detection. Sterilize by autoclaving at **121°C for 15 minutes**. Cool and store at **room temperature**. The medium is used for **presumptive coliform testing** in water and food samples. Ensure proper labeling and quality control before use.
Usage Scenarios: Lactose Broth is a liquid culture medium primarily used for the detection of coliform bacteria, including *Escherichia coli*, in water, food, and environmental samples. It contains lactose as the sole fermentable carbohydrate, peptone for nitrogen, and other nutrients to support microbial growth. When inoculated, lactose-fermenting organisms produce acid and gas, which are observed as turbidity and gas bubbles in a Durham tube. This selective enrichment medium aids in presumptive identification of coliforms in microbiological testing. It is commonly employed in the Most Probable Number (MPN) method for assessing water quality and food safety, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.