Sodium azide inhibits Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, other than enterococci, are inhibited by the bile salts.
Description:
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. Bile Esculin Azide Agar is a more selective medium as described by lsenberg. Enterococci are bile tolerant and hydrolyze esculin which imparts a dark brown color to the medium. Sodium azide inhibits Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria other than enterococci are inhibited by the bile salts.
Storage:
Store the sealed bottle containing the dehydrated medium at 2 to 30.0 degrees C. Once opened and recapped, place the container in a low humidity environment at the same storage temperature. Protect it from moisture and light. The dehydrated medium should be discarded if it is not free flowing or if the color has changed from the original beige color.