We are characterizing a novel gram-positive bacterium and noticed an unexpected phenotype. This bacterium fails to form colonies on BHIA with 0.025% sodium azide even though it is facultatively anaerobic. Moreover, 0.025% sodium azide greatly reduces the rate and extent of its esculinase activity on bile esculin agar, but the absence of oxygen does not.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to why a gram-positive bacterium would suffer azide inhibition? I am grateful for any suggestions as to papers I could read.