Rapid identification of Escherichia coli by Fluorocult media and positive indole reaction

To assess the specificity and sensitivity of Fluorocult media for the identification of Escherichia coli, the beta-glucuronidase activities of 1,258 bacterial strains, as well as 20 strains of Candida spp., were investigated. Fluorescence of colonies combined with positive indole reaction resulted in specificities of 99.6 to 99.8%. Sensitivities were 59.1% (MacConkey agar), 69.9% (brolacin agar), 85.5% (Columbia agar), and 85.8% (ECD agar).