Potentially fluorogenic/chromogenic compounds are compounds which become fluorogenic/chromogenic and, hence fluoroscopically/visibly/spectroscopically detectable upon contact with certain microorganisms or substances produced by such microorganisms. Such compounds have been disclosed in WO 99/48899 (= EP 949266) and WO 98/38332, respectively, by applicant. In each case, it is either the fluorogenic or the chromogenic compound that is being used for detection.

As disclosed in these references, the enzyme termed"phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C" (i. e. 1-phosphatidyl-D-myo-inositol inositolphosphohydrolase or PI- PLC for short herein ; enzyme classification EC 3.1. 4.10) can be found in culture supernatants of various bacteria including pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria ivanovii, bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group, in particular Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium novyi (cf. J. G. Songer, Trends in Microbiology 5 (1997), 156).

A culture medium for detection of Listeria monocytogenes has been disclosed in WO 99/04032 consisting primarily of agar, nutrients as well as antibiotics to suppress unwanted germs and, again, makes use of only a chromogenic substrate.

By the same token, the plating medium for Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis disclosed in US 6,284, 517 makes use of only a chromogenic substrate of the kind noted above.

The major advantage in using PI-PLC substrates for microbiological diagnosis resides in the fact that PI-PLC enzymes are virulence factors of these microorganisms and such media serve well in food microbiology.

Yet a drawback of the media mentioned above is the time for carrying out the test.

With the Listeria detection system disclosed in the above mentioned WO 99/48899 (EP 949266) it usually takes 24 hours to get an unequivocal fluoroscence in the selective enrichment broth, and it takes at least an additional time of from 24 up to 48 hours incubation of the plating media in order to grow the microorganisms to colonies showing a definite color. On the other hand, fluorogenic compounds when used in significant concentrations may decrease stability of the enrichment medium. Such substrates may also influence resuscitation efficacy and selectivity of the medium.

On the other hand, using a chromogenic plating medium alone means to renounce a quick screening tool for the microorganism of interest (the target microorganism).

Additionally, as the primary sample has to be enriched anyway in order to grow the microorganisms to a sufficient cell density before streaking on a plating medium, time cannot be shortened considerably this way.

As it is a primary task, e. g. in food testing, not only to detect but to count the number of bacteria present in the sample, there is great demand for a quick and reliable method for identification and counting.

Yet many plating media mentioned above are not always selective enough for the microorganism of interest in that the growth of unwanted bacteria is not sufficiently suppressed. Furthermore the chromogenic response to bacterial PI-PLC is not optimized in order to get deeply colored colonies with a minimum amount of the chromogenic substrate.

A better differentiation of the pathogenic microorganisms producing PI-PLC from other species would be desirable, too.

Surprisingly it has now been found that a combination of both a chromogenic and a fluorogenic substrate, e. g. incorporated in a solid agar medium, may be used to both simultaneously screen as well as to detect pathogenic bacteria producing a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

Accordingly, the plating medium according to the present invention is as defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the inventive plating medium are as specified in claims 2-27.

Further, the invention provides for a novel detection method as defined in claim 28 while preferred method embodiments are as specified in claims 29-31.

Generally, an essential advantage of plating media according to the invention resides in the time saved (e. g. at least 24 to 48 hours) if compared with prior art methods.

Plating media according to the invention provide improved means for screening as well as for detection, isolation and counting of bacteria, yeasts and molds which produce a PI-PLC enzyme, e. g. as a virulence factor such as Listeria spp. and Bacillus spp. In this context, selection of single nutrients as well as the selection of a combination of suitable nutrients by characterization of the growth parameters, e. g. by analysis using a Bioscreen C apparatus can be improved.

The terms"potentially fluorogenic"and"potentially chromogenic"as used herein with reference to the compounds mentioned above indicate the capacity of these compounds to become"fluorogenic"or"chromogenic", respectively, -i. e. fluoroscopically/visibly active and detectable by fluoroscopic methods and visual inspection or chromoscopy, respectively, upon interaction with PI-PLC.

Upon contact with PI-PLC, a potentially fluorogenic compound of formula (I) becomes a strong fluorophore which can be easily detected on the plating medium, e. g. by a conventional hand held fluorometer, e. g. for operation at a wavelength in the ultraviolet range which is favorable for practical purposes, such as 366 nm.

This simple detection approach can be used, according to the invention as a first screening step in the novel identification procedure. A fluorogenic compound for screening is advantageous because detection of a fluorophore is considerably more sensitive than detection of a chromophor. Accordingly, early notice of the presence of microorganisms secreting PI-PLC is now possible when use is made of a solid plating medium according to the invention.

In this screening test, lack of fluorescence can be considered a"negative"reaction in the sense that no further incubation of the medium is required whereas a"positive" reaction in the primary step needs to be verified by further incubation in order to develop a color.

Plating media according to the invention are suitable for detection, identification and enumeration of species of the Bacillus cereus-group, e. g. Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthracis as well as for detection, identification and enumeration of Listeria nzonocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii.

The method according to the invention is also suitable for detection and identification of species or strains from the Bacillus cereus-group and enumeration of probiotic strains of Bacillus cereus (Paciflor, Toyocerin). Probiotic B. cereus are non-toxic"attenuated"strains. In contrast to the resistant B. cereus wild strains they are susceptible to penicillin G and cefamandole. Rapid recognition of probiotic versus wild strains is a significant advantage in B. cereus diagnosis.

The plating media of the present invention may also be used for direct counting of the target microorganisms without any enrichment step as well as for the so-called contact plate method, i. e. where the sample of interest is placed directly onto the medium for inoculation. This simple and fast test protocol is advantageous because no enrichment step is necessary. It is especially useful for food testing and hygienic control.

A neutralizing agent for eventually overcoming the inhibition by, e. g. disinfectants, occurring in such samples has to be added when the medium is used for direct plating. A further advantage of a neutralizing agent such as lecithin is its contribution to a better recognition of the target microorganisms by enhancing the coloration and by formation of a precipitation zone around the colonies of the target microorganism.

A particularly preferred compound for use as a fluorogenic substrate of formula (I) according to the invention is the N-methyl-morpholine salt of 4-methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate.

In general, racemic mixtures of formula (I) and/or (IV) compounds are suitable for use in the plating media according to the invention.

For example, 4-methylumbelliferone (resulting from cleavage of the preferred 4- methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate or a salt thereof by PI-PLC) has an absorption maximum of 360 nm at pH values above 8 whereas the corresponding formula (I) compounds show only a negligible absorption at 360 mn.

4-Methylumbelliferone (4-methyl-7-hydroxy-coumarin) is a very good fluorogen with an emission maximum at 448 nm (excitation at 364 nm).

Turning to detection methods according to the invention, the term"primary sample"used herein refers to the material obtained directly from a suspected source that may be of physiological or other origin, such as blood, excrements or infected foods, feeds, water sources, drinks or the like materials capable of harbouring the bacteria of interest. Also samples from food processings are of interest.

In both of its aspects as a screening and identification test, respectively, the invention provides for means to indicate bacterial activity of microorganisms having PI- PLC activity, including members of the Bacillus cereus-group, such as Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus as well as Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria ivanovii, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium novyi, Clostridium perf ingens, Legionella spp. , Helicobacter pylori, Tiypanosoma brucei, Aspergillusfumingatus.

The invention is of particular use for screening, detection and isolation of such pathogens as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis.

Bacillus anthracis is unable to produce PI-PLC and can therefore be differentiated well from the other members of the B. cereus group by its typical but non-colored

colonies.

When using compounds of formula (I) and/or (IV) in a screening and/or identification test for bacterial activity as evidenced by the presence of PI-PLC, it may be advantageous to provide an enrichment broth in which the primary sample is transferred in order to increase the bacterial activity prior to plating. It is preferred for many applications of the inventive method to use an enrichment broth which, in addition, may be selective for the bacteria of interest. The term"enrichment"which may be but need not be selective is understood by those experienced in the art who are capable of selecting an enrichment method that is most suitable for the bacteria of interest. Generally, inhibition of growth of other bacteria producing PI-PLC enzyme can be accomplished using various combinations of selective compounds including antibiotics and other inhibitors and the medium can be made specific for any pathogen that contains or produces PI-PLC.

Generally, the invention is believed to provide for some synergy of formula (I) if combined with formula (IV) compounds.

In a group of preferred compounds of formula (IV), R6, R'and R'are hydrogen or halogen atoms independently selected, preferably chlorine and bromine; while R9 and Rl° are hydrogen and X is hydroxy; again, the salts of such compounds with organic or inorganic bases can be used as the potential chromophore, i. e. yielding deeply colored indigo dyes upon cleavage by PI-PLC, dimerization and subsequent oxidation, espe- cially wherein Rl° is hydrogen or methyl.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula (IV) for use as the chromogenic constituent are the salts of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate, 5- bromo-6-chloro-3-indoxyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate and 6-chloro-3-indoxyl myo- inositol-1-phosphate. Among these, the ammonium salt of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate is particularly preferred. Generally, formula (IV) compounds can be used in racemic form.

To illustrate an important embodiment of the present invention a preferred test method for identifying Listeria nzonocytogenes will now be explained in more detail.

This method optionally comprises use of an enrichment broth that can repair or resuscitate injured Listeria monocytogenes cells according to EN ISO 11290.

Then, a small portion, e. g. a wire loop transporting a small amount of liquid of the enrichment broth, is streaked on a selective plating medium that contains the fluorogenic substrate, preferably a 4-methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate of formula (1) as defined above.

Preferably, this plating medium is made selective as well to prevent growth of other bacteria, except Listeria spp., containing the PI-PLC enzyme and Listeria related Gram-positive bacteria giving Listeria monocytogenes cells an optimal environment for growth on the plating medium producing isolated colonies.

Subsequent to incubation, typically for 16 to 24 hours, the medium is exposed to an UV fluorometer (long wavelength at 366 nm) and examined for fluorescence. A positive fluorogenic reaction around the small colonies grown up to this point indicates a presumptive positive test requiring further testing and'no fluorescence means no Wisteria monocytogenes is present in the sample tested.

After incubation for a further period of time and in the presence of, for example, Listeria monocytogenes, the plating medium containing a potentially chromogenic compound of formula (IV) will show colored colonies with the color developed by the chromogenic compound when in contact with PI-PLC. For example, with a substrate containing 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate a colony of Listeria monocytogenes will generate a turquoise to blue color. The colony can be isolated for further testing if required.

Generally, the chromogenic constituent works best on a solid surface since the color of the chromogen will be retained within the cell causing the color of the colony to be the color of the chromogen which is water insoluble and remains in the colony.

Plating media according to the invention tend to have good stability. For example, after 4 weeks of storage at 4°C in the dark, color and selectivity of the plating medium will be essentially the same as that of the freshly prepared medium. The Listeria monocytogenes colonies appear turquoise to blue and convex, 1.0-2. 5 mm in diameter, without or with a turquoise to blue halo.

It is surprising that fluorogenic compounds of formula (I), e. g. in a plating medium containing 4-methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate, are efficacious not only in a broth medium but also on a solid medium, such as agar.

Despite the fact that the fluorescence may leach from the colony into the agar

medium, fluorescence serves as a screening test for presence or absence of pathogenic bacteria secreting PI-PLC enzymes.

Consequently, a positive reaction (secretion of the PI-PLC enzyme by a bacterial species) in the presence of the fluorogenic substrate will cause the colony to show fluorescence indicating that a PI-PLC secreting bacterial species is present at a significant cell density.

This is a presumptive positive reaction for the bacterial species of interest (such as Listeria monocytogenes) which warrant further isolation of the bacterial species in the form of a colony using the chromogenic substrate (IV) of the PI-PLC enzyme as explained above.

The fluorogenic formula (I) constituent and its fluorescence does not impair the enzymic color reaction of the chromogenic formula (IV) constituent of the combination or plating medium according to the invention.

Generally, presence of a fluorogenic constituent of formula (I) and of a chromogenic substrate of formula (IV) in a single medium allows for a fast presumptive positive reaction (due to the fluorogenic constituent) within a period of typically 24 hours followed by incubation for a further period of time, e. g. 24 hours, and identifying the colony on the solid medium using the chromogenic effect as a confirmatory reaction.

A further advantage of preferred plating media according to the invention resides in the generation of a white precipitation zone around, e. g. turquoise-colored colonies of L. monocytogenes/L. ivanovii. Optionally, the colony can be isolated for further testing.

As will become apparent from the following examples, the invention provides for novel and improved plating media for screening as well as for isolation, characteri- zation, and quantitative evaluation (microbial count) of various hygienically and pathol- ogically important microorganisms capable of metabolic production of a phosphatidyl- inositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) for which examples will be given below.

Typically, the formula (I) and (IV) constituents and notably the preferred com- pounds, such as 4-methylumbelliferyl-myo-inositol-1-phosphate can be used at a con- centration of from about 0. 05-0. 3 grams per liter (g/1) while a typical concentration of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myoinositol-1-phosphate will be in the range of from about 0.1-0. 4 g/l. (The term"about"as used herein indicates a possible deviation of up to 50% of the value given).

While higher amounts might be used, no advantages compensating the higher costs will be normally obtained. It is to be emphasized that the concentration figures given here and in the following examples are based upon the complete ready-to-use me- dium. For producing dry plating media (e. g. for increased storage life or other forms of application) proper amounts must be calculated accordingly.

Substituents Rl through Rl° in formula (I) and (IV) are fluorogenic or chro- mogenic, respectively, in the sense that such substituents will increase or, at least, not significantly diminish the specific absorption of light of the formula (I) and/or (IV) compounds that produces fluorescence and/or color, respectively, upon exposure to PI- PLC.

Generally, plating media compositions are well known per se in the art (cf. , for example, "Biotechnological Bioengineering"Vol. 24,1982, pp 1519) and are available as liquid, semi-liquid, or solid culture media, generally containing: - a gel-forming constituent, such as agar or gelatin ; - nutrients including a carbon source for the microorganisms of interest, - various additives, and (depending upon the desired form) - an optional aqueous medium as required by the gel-forming capacity of the gel-form- ing constituent.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, a carrier or substrate, such as typi- cally a petri dish, is used as a support for the liquid or semi-liquid plating medium.

Plating media according to the invention include such liquid or semi-liquid forms as well as dry plating media. A preferred"dry"is substantially anhydrous, typi- cally containing less than 5 %, by weight, and preferably less than 3 %, by weight, of water for storability. In other words, a typical dry or anhydrous plating medium accord- ing to the invention may be constituted such that it will yield a liquid or semi-liquid plating medium upon addition of sufficient aqueous medium.

Preparation of plating media follows the well known rules, e. g. as described by the manufacturers of the conventional constituents.

It is to be noted that the term"ready-to-use"generally includes plating media of various consistencies ranging from a maximal to a minimal water content of the plating medium used for culturing, and includes"aqueous"or"liquid"as well as"semi-dry"or "semi-liquid"plating media. As is well known in the art of microbial culturing, a typical plating medium is made up as a pourable or"liquid"composition (sometimes termed a

"sol") which will form a relatively firm gel after being applied to a carrier, such as a petri dish or other type of supporting plate. Thus, plating media according to the inven- tion in their ready-to-use liquid or semi-liquid form may, but need not, include such a carrier or plate.

A typical anhydrous plating medium according to the invention will include all basic ingredients required for the intended use, i. e. the gel-forming constituent, the for- mula (1) and/or formula (IV) compound and-in general-essential nutrients for mi- crobes, and a preferred anhydrous plating medium according to the invention will in- clude all essential constituents of the ready-to-use plating medium except the aqueous constituent, e. g. in the form of a freeze-dried composition or lyophilisate.

It should be noted however that the essential characteristic of a plating medium according to the invention is that fact that it contains at least one formula (I) and for- mula (IV) compound for detection of microbial PI-PLC by fluorescence and color for- mation. Accordingly, nutrients, specific additives for selectivity (inhibitors) or activators for growth promotion, improved enzymatic cleavage, or additives for use in contact plate methods may-and preferably are-but need not be contained in a dry, semi-liquid (synonymous with semi-solid) or liquid plating medium according to the invention since the actual user may wish to adapt it in view of specific requirements.

Among various preferred applications of plating media according to the inven- tion is their use for the so-called contact plate method just mentioned, i. e. where the sample of interest, e. g. a food product such as cheese, or a tool or apparatus component used in food processing (hygienic monitoring), is placed directly onto the medium on the plate for inoculation and hygienic control. The plating medium for this method pre- ferably contains a component capable of counteracting surface-active substances that may be contained in typical samples. Phospholipids, such as lecithin, and L-histidine are suitable additives for this and other purposes as explained below in more detail. Typical commercial contact plates are of rectangular shape (20 by 80 mm) and are filled to the extent of forming a slight convex outward bulge for good contacting properties.

Semi-liquid media can be inoculated and then applied to a non-specific nutrient layer, or used for migration of the microorganisms of interest due to their mobility and/or under the impact of an electric field. Fluorescence and/or color formation will be

observed in the semi-solid portion of the plating medium.

Gelling agents (also termed gel forming agents) for use with plating media are well known in the art and are available commercially. Suitable agents, such as various types of agars or gelatine for use in microbial cultures including plating media according to the invention are capable of forming an aqueous gel.

Preferred nutrients for all types of plating media according to the invention in- clude mixtures of peptidic, pancreatinic, tryptic and papainic peptones from casein, soy, meat and mixtures of amino acids, e. g. casamino acids, notably with the aim to shorten the lag phase of microbial growth. Peptone mixtures can be replaced by high-quality nutrient agar, such as Columbia agar.

Preferred mixtures of amino acids are those containing L-cysteine und L-tryptophane and are used typically in amounts of about 10-200 milligrams per liter (mg/1), calculated for the final or ready-to-use plating medium.

Additives found to be suitable for plating media according to the invention are essential growth agents for the microbes of interest including vitamins, e. g. in the form of yeast extract or meat extract (the term"meat"including, inter alia, organs such as liver, blood constituents) and brain-heart-infusion, typically in an amount of about 1 to 12 g/l.

Carbon sources found to be suitable for plating media according to the invention include, inter alia, carbohydrates or their metabolic precursors, e. g. D-glucose, sodium pyruvate, and L-rhamnose, typically at a concentration of from about 0.5 to 5 g/l. So- dium pyruvate also reduces the amount of oxygen radicals acting inhibitory for growing cells.

To improve growth and PI-PLC cleavage, trace elements can be added, for ex- ample magnesium salts, e. g. MgS04, and the standard trace element solution "Schlösser" (cf. W. Dunger, H. J. Fiedler ; Methoden der Bodenkunde, 2nd edition, 1997, pp 92, Gustav Fischer, Jena-Stuttgart/Germany) in typical concentrations of from about 0.2-1. 0 g/l. It has been found that such a trace element solution will enhance PI- PLC production and, thus, cleavage of the formula (I) and/or (IV) compound with the result of generating fluorescence and/or coloration in a substantial and unexpected degree.

Another preferred additive is a source of ferric or ferrous ions, e. g. ferric citrates, such as ferric ammonium citrate (e. g. at a concentration of about 0.1-1. 0 g/1), or ferri-

oxamines, such as ferrioxamin B, e. g. at a concentration of about 50-2000 micrograms per liter (ug/1), preferably 100-500 llg/l.

To promote the cleavage action of PI-PLC, a serum, e. g. horse or bovine serum, can be added, typically at a concentration of about 20-100 ml/l, or albumin from bo- vine serum, typically at a concentration of about 2-5 g/l. Use of such albumin is of particular advantage when producing a dry plating medium.

Another activator or promoter for PI-PLC are phospholipids, e. g. lecithin from soy beans, other semen or egg yolk, typically at a concentration of about 1-5 g/l, and salts of glycero phosphoric acid, e. g. magnesium glycero phosphate or sodium glycero phosphate, at a concentration of about 0.5 to 2.0 g/l. Use of such constituents is of no- table importance in plating media for use in the contact plating method mentioned briefly above. L-histidine, e. g. used in a typical concentration of about 0.5 to 2 gel, is another additive for use in plating media for direct contact.

An inert opacifier, such as titanium dioxide, typically in an amount of about 1-5 g/l, may be added to improve recognition of colored colonies.

Natural starch, e. g. at a concentration of about 1-5 g/l, can be added to reduce the size of the colonies and to improve efficiency of the fluorogenic and/or chromogenic indicators used in plating media according to the invention.

It is advantageous to make the plating medium selective for specific microorgan- isms of interest. For example, in order to provide selectivity for Listeria nionocytogenes, growth of other PI-PLC producing microorganisms, such as other Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria, e. g. Bacillus cereus, as well as yeasts and molds is disadvanta- geous and should be inhibited to prevent confusion in reading the plates.

On the other hand, if the plating medium is to be made selective for microorgan- isms other than Listeria, suitable inhibitors will have to be selected accordingly. Thus, the inhibitors mentioned below are given by way of an illustrative example for plating media which are selective for Listeria. Those experienced in the art can easily select suitable inhibitors on the basis of general microbiological knowledge and/or with a few and simple growth experiments.

Suitable inhibitors for Listeria-specific plating media include combinations of antibiotics working synergistically, e. g. a combination of antibiotics such as polymyxin B, e. g. at a concentration of about 10 to 20 milligram per liter (mg/1), optionally com- bined with sulfamethoxazole (e. g. at about 50-1000 mg/1) as well as phosphomycin

(e. g. at about 20-50 mg/1) or ceftazidime (e. g. at about 20-50 mg/1), doxycycline (e. g. at about 2-20 mg/1) for inhibiting Gram-negative bacteria.

Further, addition of lithium chloride (e. g. at about 2-20 g/1), preferably in combi- nation with nalidixic acid (e. g. at about 20-50 mg/1) or clindamycin (e. g. at 1-10 mg/ 1), serves to suppress unwanted Gram-positive bacteria.

Inhibition of yeasts and molds can suitably be accomplished by addition of cyclo- heximide (e. g. at about 50-300 mg/1) or amphotericin B (e. g. at about 1-5 mg/1).

Generally, such mechanisms apply to media for detection and count determination of other microorganisms producing PI-PLC, notably Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis and selectivity can be achieved in an analogous manner as explained above for Listeria.

Inhibition for Bacillus cereus-group specific plating media is achieved, according to a preferred mode of operation, by using a combination of antibiotics acting syn- ergistically, e. g. a combination of polymyxin B (10-20 mg/1), sulfamethoxazole (10- 200 mg/1) and trimethoprim (1-20 mg/1).

The Bacillus cereus-group specific plating medium disclosed in the present in- vention may also be used for characterization and differentiation of so-called"probi- otic"Bacillus cereus isolates from animal feeds. The non-toxic"attenuated"Bacillus cereus strains Paciflor and Toyocering are used as feed additives acting as fertilizers.

The differentiation of these probiotic, spore-forming products from toxic Bacillus cereus wild strains cannot be done by simple, e. g. biochemical tests as these strains be- haved equal in hemolysin-production, starch hydrolysis, catalase as well as gelatinase and lecithinase reaction and do not show any significant differences in fermentation of carbohydrates.

However, the non-toxic probiotic Bacillus cereus strains noted above unexpec- tedly showed delayed production of PI-PLC detectable on the new Bacillus cereus- group plating medium according to the invention by substantial weaker colorization (e. g. light turquoise colonies).

In order to get an unequivocal differentiation from weak PI-PLC producing wild- type strains of Bacillus cereus, antibiotic discs may be applicated onto the surface of the medium. Whereas B. cet'ems wild strains behaved resistant to Penicillin G (10 ug/disc) and cefamandole (30pg/disc) all tested probiotic B. cereus strains were susceptible.

Non-limiting examples of microorganisms for detection and count by means of

plate media according to the invention include members of the Bacillus cereus-group, notably Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringierzsis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus weihen- stephanensis and Bacillus anthracis as well as Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria ivano- vii, Staphylococcus aureus, Legionella pneumophila, Clostridium species, Helicobacter pylori. Among further microbial organisms of interest are yeasts, e. g. Candida species and molds, e. g. Aspergillus species.

A preferred test method for identifying Listeria monocytogenes comprises use of an enrichment broth as described above that can repair or resuscitate injured Listeria monocytogenes cells, e. g. a combination of a so-called Fraser Y2-broth for pre-enrich- ment followed by selective enrichment with normal Fraser-broth as described in EN ISO 11290-1 and EN ISO 11290-2.

Then, the plating medium is inoculated by a small portion, at least, of the enrich- ment broth, e. g. by means of a wire loop for transporting a small amount of liquid. Since the plating medium contains a fluorogenic and/or chromogenic compound, i. e. exhibit fluorescence or coloring upon contact with PI-PLC produced by the microorganism of interest thus indicating presence of microorganisms of interest, and-because of the se- lective growth conditions provided by the composition of the plating medium-incuba- tion of the plating medium leads to growth of the microorganisms of interest and to formation of corresponding microbial colonies exhibiting fluorescence and/or colora- tion. If desired, microbial cells can be isolated from the fluorescent and/or colored colo- nies for verification.

The plating medium may also directly be inoculated with the samples, e. g. with various food-samples for direct counting the pathogens.

The contact plate method mentioned above and the direct-plate medium according to the invention made selective as disclosed above is of particular interest for control and monitoring purposes in the food-processing industries. The following non-limiting examples are given to further illustrate the invention.

Generally, the invention provides for safe, sensitive and commercially viable detection, identification and counting of potentially pathogenic bacterial activity of such microbes as Listeria monocytogenes, Listeria ivanovii, Bacillus cereus including the probiotic B. cereus-strains (Paciflor@, Toyocerin@), Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus anthracis in potentially infected materials including physiological samples or consumable goods such as foods, beverages and animal feeds.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Examples 1-3: Improved selective plating media for Listeria monocytogenes F. ple 1:

This example illustrates preparation, inoculation and efficacy of an improved ready-to-use and selective plating medium for Listeria monocytogenes with a fluorescent compound of formula (I) according to the invention.

Plating agar was prepared from the following basic ingredients: Agar 15. 0 g/l Special peptone 18.0 g/ Yeast extract 8.0 g/ Casamino acids 5.0 g/I Meat extract 5.0 g/I Sodium glycerophosphate 1.0 g/I Sodium pyruvate 1.0 g/I Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate 1.5 g/I Lithium chloride 5.0 g/1 Ferric ammonium citrate 0.2 g/1 Potassium phosphate, dibasic (KH2PO4) 1.5 g/1 Sodium phosphate, dibasic (NaH2PO4#2 H20) 3.1 g/1 Cycloheximide 0.2 g/1 All ingredients were dissolved in 960 ml of water (distilled or de-ionized) and autoclaved at 121 °C for 15 minutes. The pH was maintained in the range of 7, 1-7, 2.

The following supplements were added in the amounts specified: D-Glucose 2.0 g/1 Bovine serum albumin 3.5 g/1 Soy lecithin 1. 5g/I Standard trace element solution Schlösser 5 ml/1 4-Methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate, N-methylmorpholine salt 0.1 g/1 The following antibiotics were added as inhibitors for undesired microorganisms in view of selectivity for Listeria as explained above:

Polymyxin B 0. 01 g/l Nalidixic acid 0.03 g/1 Ceftazidime 0,03 g/1 Bovine albumin was dissolved separately in 10 ml of water (distilled or de-ion- ized). Lecithin was suspended in 10 ml of 20 vol. % ethanol. Both solutions as well as the glucose, the solution of trace elements and the substrate were added aseptically while stirring to above plating agar after cooling to 50-55°C. Finally the antibiotics are added aseptically.

After stirring for ten minutes, the pH was controlled and the medium was poured into petri dishes and allowed to solidify.

The standard trace element solution"Schlosser"is composed of : Zinc sulfate heptahydrate 1 mg/1 Manganese sulfate tetrahydrate 2 mg/1 Boric acid 10 mg/1 Cobalt (II) nitrate hexahydrate 1 mg/1 Sodium molybdate dihydrate 1 mg/1 Copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate 0.005 mg l 1 Ferrous sulfate heptahydrate 0.7 g/1 EDTA 0.8 g/1 Bi-distilled water to 1 liter total volume.

This standard Schlösser solution is prepared as a stock solution in ten-fold concentration and autoclaved at 121°C for 15 minutes. 5 ml of this concentrated solu- tion were added to 1 liter of the above plating medium.

The plating medium was inoculated by using a loop full of liquid from a pre- enrichment broth and streaking onto the plating medium, and incubated at 36 1 °C for 24 hours. After first reading the plates were incubated for further 20-24 h at 36 1°C.

Results are summarized in Table 1 showing the colonial characteristics of a vari- ety of bacteria on the selective/differential plating medium after incubation.

Fxampl: Example 1 was repeated except that 0.2 g/1 of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-myo- inositol-1-phosphate ammonium salt were added to provide a combination of both a fluorogenic (formula I) and a chromogenic (formula IV) indicator according to the in- vention.

Again, the results are summarized in Table 1.

Rxarre 3- Example 1 was repeated except that the 0.1 g/1 of 4-methylumbelliferyl-myo- inositol-1-phosphate N-methyl-morpholine salt (compound of formula I) were replaced by 0.2 g/1 of 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl-myo-inositol-1-phosphate-ammonium salt (compound of formula IV).

The turquoise to blue color of the Listeria monocytogenes colonies indicated the presence of the PI-PLC enzyme by forming the deeply colored 5, 5'-dibromo-4, 4'- dichloro-indigo water insoluble dye which was retained within the colony and did not diffuse into the medium.

Again, the results are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Colonial morphologies of various bacteria on selective plating medium for Listeria monocytogehes obtained according to Examples 1-3 Fluorescent and/or colored (blue to turquoise) Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 7973 flat colonies up to 2 mm in diameter with a white preciptation zone around the colony Fluorescent and/or colored (blue to turquoise) Listeria monocytogenes 3208/99 flat colonies up to 2 mm in diameter with a white precipitation zone around the colony Fluorescent and/or colored (blue to turquoise) Listeria ivanovii DSM 20751 flat colonies up to 2 mm in diameter with a white precipitation zone around the colony Non-fluorescent and/or white colonies, up to 2 Listeria innocua SV6A mm in diameter Escherichia coli NCTC 10481 No growth Pseudomonas aeruginosa NM 17 No growth Enterococcusfaecalis ATCC 33186 Strongly reduced growth Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 No growth Staphylococcus aufeus NCTC 6571 No growth Staphylococcus epidermidis CCM No growth 2243 No grwoth Candida albicans 1695 Strongly reduced growth Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1688 Strongly reduced growth

Examples 4-6: Improved selective plating media for Bacillus species Selective fluorescent and/or chromogenic plating media for various Bacillus spe- cies were prepared essentially as described in Example 1 except as specified in Table 2 below. The plating medium of example 4 (comparative) contained the fluorogenic indi- cator (A). The plating medium of Example 5 contained both fluorogenic and chro- mogenic indicator (A + B) while the plating medium of Example 6 (comparative) con- tained but the chromogenic indicator (B). The composition of the nutrients is chosen in order to get colonies not to big since the amount of the fluorogenic/chromogenic sub- strate could be reduced.

Table 2 Com osition/Basic Medium Agar 14. 0 1 Proteose Peptone 5. 0/l Tryptone 5. 0 g/l Meat peptone, pancreatic 5.0 g/l Meat extract 3.0 g/l LiCl 2. 0/1 K2HP044. 0g/l pH 7.2-7. 3 Supplements : Bovine serum albumin 3. 5/1 (A) 4-methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol- 1-phosphate, N-methylmorpholine salt (For-0.1 g/1 mula I compound) (B) 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myo- inositol-1-phosphate, ammonium salt (For-0.2 g/I mula IV compound) Trimethoprim 0. 0032 g/l Polymyxin B 0.020 g/l Sulfamethoxazol 0. 016 g/l Cycloheximide 0. 2 g/1

The basic medium was autoclaved at 121 °C for 15 minutes and the pH was con- trolled to 7.1-7. 3.

The supplements were dissolved aseptically in sterile distilled or de-ionized water and added aseptically to the plating medium after cooling to approximately 50°C. The complete medium was poured into petri dishes and allowed to solidify.

The plating medium was inoculated either by using a loopful liquid from a pre-

enrichment broth and streaking onto the agar or directly by the sample. It was incubated at 36 1 °C for 24 hours. Table 3 summarizes colony characteristics of a variety of bacteria on the improved selective/differential plating medium for Bacillus species after incubation.

A further advantageous mode of use of this medium is the detection of probiotic Bacillus cereus strains (Paciflor@, Toyocerie) by application of antibiotic discs onto the surface of the medium shown in Table 2. The method performed is like the agar-dif- fusion test. Whereas B. cereus wild strains behaved resistant to penicillin G (10 ug/disc) and cefamandole (30, ug/disc) all tested probiotic Bacillus cereus strains were suscepti- ble towards these antibiotics.

Table 3 Morphologies of colonies of various bacteria on plating medium selective for Ba- cillus spp. obtained according to Examples 4-6 Number of Species colonial morphology strains tested Bacillus anthracis 16 Non-fluorescent and/or un-colored large dull (wild type) colonies up to 2-4 mm in diameter Fluorescent and/or colored (turquoise) large dull 19 among them colonies up to 2-4 mm in diameter, with or Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 without fluorescent and/or colored (turquoise) halos Bacillus cereus, probiotic strains Week fluorescent and/or light-turquoise dull Paciflor and colonies up to 2-4 mm in diameter Toyocerin (g) Fluorescent and/or colored (turquoise) large dull Bacillus thurin-4, among them colonies up to 2-4 mm in diameter, with or giensis ATCC 10792 without fluorescent and/or colored (turquoise) halos Bacillus mycoides 1 Fluorescent and/or light-turquoise, irregular edged colonies, 3-6 mm in diameter Bacillus weihen-4 Fluorescent and/or turquoise colonies, 1-2 mm stephanensis in diameter Bacillus circulans, ,. No growth or small, nonfluorescent, un-colored colonies up to 2 mm formis Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633; Bacillus lentus, 1 strain each No growth B. megaterium, Bacillus pumilus Listeria monocyto-4, among them Small fluorescent and/or colored (turquoise) genes NCTC 7973 colonies; < 1 mm in diameter Listeria innocua, 1 strain each Small nonfluorescent, un-colored colonies up to Listeria seeligeri, 1 strain each 1 mm Listeria welshimeri Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 1 No growth 19433 Staphylococcus 1 No growth aureus NCTC 6571 Escherichia coli ATCC 25929 Salmonella typhi- murium ATCC 1 No growth 14028

It should be noted that while the above examples are concerned with preferred constituents 4-methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate, N-methylmorpholine salt and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoxyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate, ammonium salt, respectively, it is apparent from the general disclosures above that very similar results will be obtained with other substrates of formula (I) and (IV), respectively. Thus, various modifications of the examples given above will be apparent.