Bile Esculin Agar (Powder)

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. Enterococci are bile tolerant and hydrolyze esculin which imparts a dark brown color to the medium. Gram positive bacteria other than enterococci are inhibited by the bile salts.


Directions per Liter:

Dissolve 64.5grams per liter of distilled/deionized water, heating to boiling with stirring until completely solubilized. Dispense into appropriate containers, loosen caps and autoclave for 15-30 minutes at 121ºC (15 psi).


Component g/liter
Pancreatic Digest of Gelatin 5
Esculin 1
Beef Extract 3
Oxbile . 40
Ferric Citrate 0.5
Agar 15
Total: 64.5g/Liter


Storage and Stability:

Store powdered media at RT. Opened bottles should be capped tightly and kept in a dark, low humidity environment. Prepared media should be kept at 4°C and used within a short period of time.