Growth and phenotypic characterization of Legionella species on semisolid media made with washed agar

Legionella pneumophila (and 28 Legionella species) grew efficiently on charcoal-free, buffered yeast extract medium made with washed agar and without apparent loss of infectivity for U937 cells. Because charcoal-free, buffered yeast extract is transparent, it is a suitable base for indicator media and pigment detection. In standard media, charcoal apparently prevents agar contaminants from inhibiting Legionella growth.