Lecithin agar for detection of microbial phospholipases

Abstract

Lecithin agar was developed on which phospholipase C produced turbid zones and phospholipase A produced clear zones. Reactions on lecithin agar agreed 74% of the time with reactions in egg yolk broth. On lecithin agar, interpretation was easier, phospholipase A was detectable, and opaque zones were visible 1 or 2 days earlier than on egg yolk agar. All constituents of the medium can be autoclaved.