Mannitol Salt Phenol-Red Agar

Mannitol salt phenol-red agar is a modified version of the selective agar for the isolation and presumptive identification of Staphylococcus aureus. The composition of Mannitol Salt Agar supports the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, whereas the high salt content of 7.5 % inhibit many other microorganisms. Degradation of mannitol to acid correlates with the pathogenicity of S. aureus and thus, serves as an indicator for this species. Some halophilic Enterococci and Vibriones also grow on Mannitol Salt Agar. In contrast to the most other Staphylococci, S. aureus can build acids from mannitol. Therefore, they build up yellow colonies with yellow zones. S. capitis, S. simulans, S. carnosus, S. scuri, S. lentus, and S. gallinarum are also mannitol positive.

Mannitol salt phenol-red agar is used for the isolation and presumptive identification of Staphylococcus aureus in non sterile pharmaceuticals and food.

GRANUCULT is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

NutriSelect is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

We offer two media types: the superior granulated GranuCult^® and the cost-efficient powdered NutriSelect^® culture media, depending on your needs. The designations basic, plus, or prime are added to indicate the quality control level, from basic quality control to standard QC plus to prime for full regulatory compliance.