Enterococcus faecium is characteristically able to grow in the presence of high concentrations of salt.

Enterococcus faecium is characteristically able to grow in the presence of high concentrations of salt.

• A. Inhibited by the presence of bile
• B. Able to grow in high concentrations of salt
• C. PYR negative
• D. Beta-hemolytic

Answer: (B)

Growth in high salt is a defining feature of Enterococcus species. Enterococcus faecium can thrive in environments with elevated NaCl, such as 6.5% NaCl, a trait that helps distinguish them from many other Gram-positive cocci like streptococci. This salt tolerance is routinely used in laboratory identification because it indicates the genus Enterococcus. The other statements don’t fit as well: Enterococcus species are typically PYR positive, can grow in bile, and are usually non-hemolytic (gamma) rather than beta-hemolytic. So the ability to grow in high salt best identifies Enterococcus faecium.