Kligler Iron Agar: Differentiation of Enterobacteriaceae

Description

Kligler Iron Agar: Essential for Enterobacteriaceae Differentiation

Kligler Iron Agar serves as a specialized microbiological medium, primarily aimed at differentiating members of the Enterobacteriaceae family based on fermentation capabilities and hydrogen sulfide production. This agar is crucial for clinical diagnostics and research, effectively aiding in the identification of enteric bacteria.

Key Features and Composition

Kligler Iron Agar contains:

• Peptic Digest of Animal Tissue: 20.0 g
• Beef Extract: 3.0 g
• Yeast Extract: 3.0 g
• Lactose: 10.0 g
• Dextrose: 1.0 g
• Ferric Ammonium Citrate: 0.5 g
• Sodium Thiosulfate: 0.5 g
• Phenol Red: 0.024 g
• Agar: 12.0 g

The final pH of Kligler Iron Agar measures 7.4 ± 0.2 at 25°C, ensuring optimal growth conditions for bacteria.

Principle and Interpretation

This medium utilizes phenol red as a pH indicator. As bacteria ferment dextrose and lactose, they produce acids that cause a color change in the medium, facilitating the identification of various enteric bacilli. Additionally, ferric ammonium citrate and sodium thiosulfate enable hydrogen sulfide detection, which is vital for differentiating species like Salmonella and Shigella.

Preparation and Usage

To prepare Kligler Iron Agar, follow these steps:

1. Dissolve 55.0 g of the dehydrated medium in one liter of distilled or deionized water.
2. Heat the mixture with agitation to ensure complete dissolution.
3. Dispense into tubes and sterilize in an autoclave at 121°C (15 lbs) for 15 minutes.
4. Allow the medium to cool and set as slopes with 1-inch butts for optimal testing conditions.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store Kligler Iron Agar tightly capped at 5-30°C. The dehydrated medium remains viable for 3 years from the manufacture date. Prepared medium can be kept at 2-8°C and away from direct light to maintain effectiveness.

Quality Control

For reliable results, inoculate the prepared Kligler Iron Agar and incubate at 36±1°C for 18-24 hours. This incubation ensures the medium accurately identifies and differentiates enteric pathogens, making it a vital tool for clinical laboratories and research facilities.

Conclusion

Kligler Iron Agar stands out as an indispensable medium for microbiologists aiming to differentiate Enterobacteriaceae effectively. Its unique formulation, along with easy preparation and storage, positions it as a preferred choice in laboratories focused on enteric pathogen research and diagnostics. By integrating Kligler Iron Agar into your microbiological procedures, you enhance both the accuracy and efficiency of bacterial identification in your studies.

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Kligler Iron Agar: Essential for Enterobacteriaceae Differentiation