Bile Esculin Agar is prepared according to the formula specified by Swan, and later evaluated by Facklam and Moody. It was concluded that the bile esculin test provided a reliable means of identifying enterococci and differentiation from non-enterococci. Enterococci are bile tolerant and hydrolyze esculin which imparts a dark brown color to the medium. Gram positive bacteria other than enterococci are inhibited by the bile salts.

Light beige, homogeneous and free flowing

Grayish yellow, opalescent, trace to light haze, none to light precipitate

6.6 ± 0.2

Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC19433); Good Black colonies and medium Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212); Good Black colonies and medium Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC33186); Good Black colonies and medium Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922); Good Colorless No blackening Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615); Inhibited N/A

*The results were obtained from type cultures after incubation at a temperature of 35ºC and observed after 18-24 hours.

Important Note: This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.

Dissolve 64.5grams per liter of distilled/deionized water, heating to boiling with stirring until completely solubilized. Dispense into appropriate containers, loosen caps and autoclave for 15-30 minutes at 121ºC (15 psi).

Store powdered media at RT. Opened bottles should be capped tightly and kept in a dark, low humidity environment. Prepared media should be kept at 4°C and used within a short period of time.