Comparison of charcoal- and starch-based media for testing susceptibilities of Legionella species to macrolides, azalides, and fluoroquinolones

Abstract

We compared growth characteristics of 46 Legionella strains grown on buffered charcoal yeast extract α (BCYEα) agar and buffered starch yeast extract (BSYE) agar and MICs of macrolides, azalides, and fluoroquinolones for these organisms. Growth was poor and not reproducible on BSYE agar. Growth was excellent on BCYEα, and MICs were easy to interpret. BCYEα is superior to BSYE for testing susceptibilities of Legionella species by agar dilution.