Hektoen Enteric Agar Plate

This medium is recommended for differential and selective isolation of Salmonella and Shigella species from enteric pathological specimens. The increased concentration of carbohydrate and proteose peptone helps to reduce the inhibitory effect of bile salts and indicators and allows good growth of Salmonella and Shigella species while inhibiting the normal intestinal flora. The medium contains, lactose, sucrose and salicin for differentiation of enteric pathogens. Combination of ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulphate in the medium enables the detection of hydrogen sulfide production, thereby aiding in the differentiation process due to the formation of black centered colonies.