Bile Esculin Agar (7249)
| Brand |
Product Code |
| Acumedia |
7249 |
| BD / BBL |
299068 |
| Oxoid |
CM0888 |
| Merck |
N/A |
Intended Use
Bile Esculin Agar is specifically formulated for the selective isolation and differentiation of group D streptococci, particularly Enterococcus species. It is a key component in microbiological analysis, providing critical support in clinical and food safety laboratories.
Product Summary and Explanation
Bile Esculin Agar utilizes a formulation initially conceptualized by Swan and later fine-tuned by Facklam and Moody. The introduction of bile to the medium enhances its efficacy, allowing for accurate differentiation between enterococci and non-enterococci strains. Historically, Rochaix emphasized the significance of esculin hydrolysis as an essential characteristic for identifying enterococci, while Meyer and Schonfeld corroborated the growth and esculin hydrolysis capabilities of 61 out of 62 tested enterococcus strains in the presence of bile salts.
The molecular taxonomy recently reclassified enterococci, previously grouped under Streptococcus, reinforcing the importance of bile esculin tests in microbiological practices. The ability to hydrolyze esculin when bile is present stands as a vital marker for distinguishing enterococci and group D streptococci from their non-group D counterparts.
Notably, Swan's comparisons indicated a strong correlation between the bile esculin medium reactions with Lancefield serological group D precipitin reactions, affirming the bile esculin test as a reliable identification method. Supported by the research of Facklam and Moody, this medium remains indispensable in accurately identifying group D streptococci within the framework of standard microbiological examination procedures, particularly in food products.
Specifications
- Type: Selective Agar Medium
- Formulation Basis: Bile salts and esculin
- Applications: Clinical diagnostics, microbiological examination
Conclusion
Incorporating Bile Esculin Agar into your laboratory practices not only enhances the accuracy of microbial identification but also bolsters compliance with stringent microbiological examination standards.
