Enumeration of xerophilic yeasts in the presence of xerophilic moulds: a collaborative study

A collaborative study was undertaken to compare the performance of Dichloran 18% Glycerol agar (DG18) with three other media widely used in food mycology, for the enumeration of xerophilic yeasts in the presence of xerophilic moulds. Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast extract agar, (OGY), Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar (DRBC) and Malt extract Yeast extract 50% Glucose agar (MY50G) were evaluated. Three reference samples (A, B, C) were prepared using skimmed milk powder inoculated with mixed lyophilized cultures of selected xerophilic yeasts and moulds, at levels around 104 to 105 CFU/g. Yeast species used were Candida glucosophila, C. versatilis, Zygosaccharomyces ballii and Z. rouxii, together with Eurotium spp. and some other moulds. Collaborators were asked to examine each sample twice, by dilution plating on the four media. Colonies were counted after 3, 5 and 7 days incubation at 25 °C. Fourteen participants from seven laboratories in six countries collaborated in this study. The ability of collaborators to detect and count yeasts after 5 and 7 days on DG18, DRBC and OGY varied depending on the sample. Few participants were able to count yeasts even after 7 days on MY50G. The overall results demonstrated that DG18 incubated 5 days at 25 °C was superior to the other three media tested for the enumeration of xerophilic yeasts in the presence of xerophilic moulds.