Bile Esculin Agar

Description

Bile Esculin Agar is used to differentiate enterococci and the Streptococcus bovis group from other streptococci.

Enterococci and certain streptococci hydrolyze the glycoside esculin to esculetin and dextrose. Esculetin reacts with an iron salt to form a dark brown or black complex. Ferric citrate is incorporated into the medium as an indicator of esculin hydrolysis and resulting esculetin formation. Oxgall is used to inhibit gram-positive bacteria other than enterococci.