Salt-starch xylose lysine deoxycholate agar. A single medium for the isolation of sodium and non-sodium dependent enteric gram-negative bacilli.

Salt dependent gram-negative bacilli responsible for gastroenteritis and tissue infections are often not recovered because proper media for isolation are not used. A salt-starch XLD agar with 1.5% NaC1 and 0.5% starch medium has been found to permit the isolation of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae, non-Enterobacteriaceae gram-negative bacilli, and salt-dependent gram-negative bacilli, among which is Vibrio parahemolyticus. As far as the Enterobacteriaceae are concerned, the selectivity and sensitivity of the medium are the same as with standard media with the added advantage of isolating salt-dependent organisms, thereby saving time and money. It can be used for routine blood cultures, investigation of sea water, seafood and tissue infections related to marine activities.