In 1947, Littman1 described Littman Oxgall Agar, a selective medium for the primary isolation of fungi, including pathogenic fungi. Littman demonstrated that Littman Oxgall Agar is valuable for culturing the dermatophytes. Molds and yeasts form nonspreading, discrete colonies, that are easy to isolate in pure culture. He also suggested that the medium be used for estimating the normal fungal flora of feces, sputum and other human discharges. The medium can also be used for single cell isolation of fungi and plate counts of viable saprophytic fungi in foodstuffs and air. In a comparative study, Littman2 compared this medium with Sabouraud Dextrose Agar using a large variety of pathogenic and saprophytic fungi. He reported the isolation of three times as many fungi from feces, sputum, skin scrapings and hair on Littman Oxgall Agar and four times as many pathogenic dermatophytes on the selective medium compared with Sabouraud Dextrose Agar.

Peptone provides nitrogen, amino acids and carbon. Dextrose is an additional carbon source. Oxgall restricts the spreading of fungus colonies. Crystal violet and streptomycin are selective bacteriostatic agents. Agar is the solidifying agent.

Light grayish beige, homogeneous, free flowing powder

Bluish purple to blue, clear, trace to slight haze after autoclaving

7.0±0.2

Important Note: This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.

1. Suspend 55g of the powder in 1L of purified water. Mix thoroughly. 2. Heat with frequent agitation and boil for 1 minute to completely dissolve the powder. 3. Autoclave at 121°C for 15 minutes. Cool to 46°C.