Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) Agar

Last updated on June 24th, 2021

Xylose lysine deoxycholate (XLD) agar is both a selective and differential medium for the isolation, cultivation and differentiation of gram-negative enteric microorganisms. This media is primarily used for isolation and differentiation of Salmonella and Shigella from both clinical and non-clinical specimens. XLD selectively promotes the growth of Salmonella and Shigella by inhibiting other enteric pathogens and differentiates Gram-negative enteric bacteria on the basis of xylose fermentation, lysine decarboxylation and the production of hydrogen sulphide from the sodium thiosulphate.  

The medium was formulated by Taylor for the isolation and differentiation of enteric pathogens.

Principle of XLD agar

The key ingredients of XLD agar are three sugars (xylose, lactose, and sucrose), lysine, and ferric ammonium citrate. Xylose is rapidly fermented by most Gram-negative enteric bacteria including Salmonella and causes acidification of the medium turning the phenol red indicator to yellow.

Since Shigella spp doesn’t utilize xylose, acidification does not occur, and red colonies are produced. This property aids in the differentiation of Shigella spp. After the xylose supply is exhausted, Salmonella spp decarboxylates lysine, increasing the pH to alkaline condition, and also produces red colonies like Shigella spp. However, Salmonellae also metabolize thiosulfate to produce hydrogen sulfide, which leads to the formation of colonies with black centers and allows them to be differentiated from the similarly colored Shigella colonies.

Organisms that ferment lactose, sucrose, and xylose but are lysine decarboxylase negative, cause an acid pH and produce yellow colonies.

Yeast extract provides sources of nitrogen, carbon, and vitamins required for organism growth. Sodium deoxycholate present in the medium inhibits the growth of Gram-positive organisms. Sodium chloride maintains the osmotic balance and agar is the solidifying agent.

Composition of XLD

Ingredients in Per litre formulations

Preparation of media

1. Suspend 55 g of the medium in one liter of purified water.
2. Heat with frequent agitation until the medium reaches the boiling point.
3. AVOID OVERHEATING. DO NOT AUTOCLAVE.
4. Transfer immediately to a water bath at 50°C.
5. After cooling, pour into sterile Petri plates.

Note: It is advisable not to prepare large volumes that will require prolonged heating, thereby producing precipitate.

Result interpretation

After incubation of the plates with test organisms, various colored colonies develop, differentiation is based on it

Quality control of XLD agar

The commercially available dehydrated media should be homogeneous, free-flowing, and light pink-beige in color. After preparation, the medium is bright red to reddish-orange, trace to slightly with neutral pH (7.20-7.60).

Quality testing of the prepared media plates should be done by performing sterility testing and performance testing

1. Sterility testing: Incubate un inoculated plates of XLD agar for 48 hours at 35-37°C and observe for any growth. After 48 hours, the sterility test plate should remain clear. Discard the whole lot if any colonies are seen.
2. Performance testing: Inoculate known standard strains on XLD agar plates, incubate for 18- 24 hours at 35-37°C, and observe for growth and colony characteristics.

USES of XLD agar

1. For isolation and differentiation of Salmonella and Shigella spp from other enteric pathogens.
2. Isolation and screening of samples containing mixed flora suspected of harboring enteric pathogens, e.g., medical specimens or food products.
3. Detection of Salmonella in non-sterile pharmaceutical products (in accordance with EP, USP) and food, water dairy products, etc. 

Limitations

• A single medium may not be enough to recover all pathogens, so a less selective medium such as MacConkey agar should also be used alongside.
• Nonenteric pathogens such as Pseudomonas may grow in the medium producing red colonies like Shigella, therefore further identification is necessary.
• Proteus mirabilis may produce small black-centred colonies similar to Salmonella but can be distinguished from Salmonella colonies, the latter being large, with big black centres.
• Prolonged incubation (more than 48 hour) may lead to false-positive results.
• Salmonella Paratyphi, S. Choleraesius, S.Pullorum and S.Gallinarum produce red colonies without black centre, hence may appear like Shigella.
• Since it is a selective medium, further subculture onto a basal medium is essential before performing biochemical tests, serotyping etc.