Application

For the preliminary identification of enterococci (serology group D), as defined by Swan (1954) and Facklam and Moody (1970).

Bile esculin agar (BEA) is a differential and selective medium and is mainly used to discern group D Streptococci and Enterococci based on the organism’;s potential to hydrolyze esculin. BEA comprises of oxygall (bile salts, first selective ingredients) and azide (second selective ingredients), former inhibits the growth of gram positive organisms and latter inhibits the growth of gram negative organisms. BEA also comprises of nutrients ferric citrate and esculin, where esculin is a differential ingredient and is also a fluorescent compound, upon hydrolyzation the fluorescence is lost. BEA is used for bile esculin test which is based on the hydrolysis of esculin into esculetin (6, 7-dihydroxy-coumarin) and glucose by a micro-organism that produce an enzyme esculinase.

Footnote

We offer two media types: the superior granulated GranuCult^® and the cost-efficient powdered NutriSelect^® culture media, depending on your needs. The designations basic, plus, or prime are added to indicate the quality control level, from basic quality control to standard QC plus to prime for full regulatory compliance.

Legal Information

NutriSelect is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

GRANUCULT is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Preparation Note

Dissolve 64.5 g in 1 litre distilled water. Bring to a boil while stirring continually. This medium should NOT be autoclaved. Cool to 45-50°C. Mix gently and dispense into sterile Petri dishes.