Bile Esculin Azide Agar, Modified

Bile Esculin Azide Agar, Modified is recommended for rapid, selective detection and enumeration of Enterococci and Group D Streptococci.It is a highly nutritious media because of presence of tryptone, peptone and yeast extract which serve as a source of carbon, nitrogen and essential nutrients. Sodium azide inhibits growth of gram-negative organisms and permits the cultivation of Enterococci and group D Streptococci. Bile inhibits grampositive bacteria other than Enterococci. Sodium citrate acts as a buffering agent. Esculin is hydrolysed by Enterococci and group D streptococci to esculetin which reacts with ferric ammonium citrate to form dark brown or black complex . Bile tolerance of group D Streptococci permits its isolation and identification in 24-48 hours.