Sodium azide inhibits Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, other than enterococci, are inhibited by the bile salts.

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.

Appearance:
Beige, homogeneous. free flowing powder

Solubility:
Grayish yellow, opalescent/trace to light haze

pH (5.7%):
7.1 ± 0.2

Growth Performance:
Note: Growth results obtained from type cultures after incubation at 35°C and observed after 18-24 hours.

Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922): Inhibited
Entertococcus fecalis (ATCC 29212): Good Growth, Blackening of the medium

Important Note: This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications without the expressed written authorization of United States Biological.