Presumptive identification of enterococci from other D streptococci by a rapid sodium chloride tolerance test.

Ability of enterococci to cause severe disease in humans and their relative resistance to chemotherapeutic agents necessitate their differentiation from other group D streptococci. We developed and evaluated a medium that differentiates enterococci from other group D streptococci within 4 to 24 hours. The 410 clinical isolates used in this study consisted of 328 strains of enterococci and 82 strains of other group D streptococci. The method showed 100 percent sensitivity and specificity with the conventional sodium chloride test. It is simple, reliable, and rapid.