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Streptococcus: Esculin test

Esculin agar is a selective and differential media that is used primarily to distinguish fecal streptococci (Enterococcus species) from other Streptococcus organisms.

Enterococcus is the only Chart 2 organism that can hydrolyze esculin. The hydrolyzed esculin complexes with iron to form a dark, brown-black color in the tube.