Normally sheep blood agar (5%) is used in the detection of
hemolytic Lactobacillus species. A positive test will reveal pinpoint alpha hemolytic
colonies on this agar. The appearance of alpha hemolysis will be a zone of intact but
discolored (usually greenish or brownish) erythrocytes around the colony. This occurs
because of the action of peroxide secreted by the
bacteria.
Many species of Lactobacillus show no hemolytic
capability, which of course should be the first selection criterion for introduction
into the human diet. Lactobacillus would be a good candidate for inclusion as a human
probiotic because some species, notably L. casei and L.
paracasei, have shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus
aureus.
The second link below has the formula
for preparing sheep blood agar.
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