Biomaterial Database

Bile-esculin test for presumptive identification of enterococci and streptococci: effects of bile concentration, inoculation technique, and incubation time. 1998

C Chuard, and L B Reller

Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

The bile-esculin test is used to differentiate enterococci and group D streptococci from non-group D viridans group streptococci. The effects on test performance of the concentration of bile salts, inoculum, and duration of incubation were examined with 110 strains of enterococci, 30 strains of Streptococcus bovis, and 110 strains of non-group D viridans group streptococci. Optimal sensitivity (> 99%) and specificity (97%) of the bile-esculin test can be obtained with a bile concentration of 40%, a standardized inoculum of 10(6) CFU, and incubation for 24 h.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D004929	Esculin	A derivative of COUMARIN with molecular formula C15H16O9.	Aesculin,Esculoside,Venoplant
D001646	Bile	An emulsifying agent produced in the LIVER and secreted into the DUODENUM. Its composition includes BILE ACIDS AND SALTS; CHOLESTEROL; and ELECTROLYTES. It aids DIGESTION of fats in the duodenum.	Biliary Sludge,Sludge, Biliary
D012680	Sensitivity and Specificity	Binary classification measures to assess test results. Sensitivity or recall rate is the proportion of true positives. Specificity is the probability of correctly determining the absence of a condition. (From Last, Dictionary of Epidemiology, 2d ed)	Specificity,Sensitivity,Specificity and Sensitivity
D013291	Streptococcus	A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria whose organisms occur in pairs or chains. No endospores are produced. Many species exist as commensals or parasites on man or animals with some being highly pathogenic. A few species are saprophytes and occur in the natural environment.
D013997	Time Factors	Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.	Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor
D016983	Enterococcus	A genus of gram-positive, coccoid bacteria consisting of organisms causing variable hemolysis that are normal flora of the intestinal tract. Previously thought to be a member of the genus STREPTOCOCCUS, it is now recognized as a separate genus.