Article: Ten-minute test for differentiating between Klebsiella and Enterobacter isolates

A 10-minute test, utilizing a urease paper-reagent strip (PATHO-TEC), for differentiating Klebsiella and Enterobacter species is described. By using a heavy suspension of organisms and 50 C temperature for incubation, 93% of Klebsiella strains (186/200) were positive and 95% of Enterobacter strains (190/200) were negative with this testing system. The rapid nature of the test (10 min), the facility with which it can be carried out, and the ease with which the strips can be stored and handled may make this a useful aid for the clinical microbiologist.

Citing Articles

Potential pathogens in the environment: Klebsiella pneumoniae, a taxonomic and ecological enigma.

Brown C, Seidler R Appl Microbiol. 1973; 25(6):900-4.

PMID: 4577489 PMC: 380937. DOI: 10.1128/am.25.6.900-904.1973.

Potential pathogens in the environment: isolation, enumeration, and identification of seven genera of intestinal bacteria associated with small green pet turtles.

McCOY R, Seidler R Appl Microbiol. 1973; 25(4):534-8.

PMID: 4572984 PMC: 380856. DOI: 10.1128/am.25.4.534-538.1973.

Membrane filter procedure for enumerating the component genera of the coliform group in seawater.

Dufour A, CABELLI V Appl Microbiol. 1975; 29(6):826-33.

PMID: 1098575 PMC: 187087. DOI: 10.1128/am.29.6.826-833.1975.

References

1.

EDMONDSON E, SANFORD J . The Klebsiella-Enterobacter (Aerobacter)-Serratia group. A clinical and bacteriological evaluation. Medicine (Baltimore). 1967; 46(4):323-40. DOI: 10.1097/00005792-196707000-00002. View

2.

Barry A, Bernsohn K, Thrupp L . Four-hour urease test for distinguishing between Klebsiella and Enterobacter. Appl Microbiol. 1969; 18(2):156-8. PMC: 377935. DOI: 10.1128/am.18.2.156-158.1969. View

3.

Barry A, Bernhn K, Thrupp L . Rapid identification of Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter by use of a new urease test. Antimicrob Agents Chemother (Bethesda). 1968; 8:465-70. View

4.

Hoeprich P, Watanabe F, Parker R . Grouping of gram-negative bacteria and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Antimicrob Agents Chemother (Bethesda). 1965; 5:412-6. View

5.

Matsen J, Blazevic D . Characterization of ornithine decarboxylase-positive, nonmotile strains of the Klebsiella-Enterobacter group. Appl Microbiol. 1969; 18(4):566-9. PMC: 378037. DOI: 10.1128/am.18.4.566-569.1969. View

6.

Matsen J, SHERRIS J . Comparative study of the efficacy of seven paper-reagent strips and conventional biochemical tests in identifying gram-negative organisms. Appl Microbiol. 1969; 18(3):452-7. PMC: 378003. DOI: 10.1128/am.18.3.452-457.1969. View

7.

HERRELL W, BALOWS A, Becker J . ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY STUDIES ON THE KLEBSIELLA GROUP. Arch Intern Med. 1964; 114:329-32. DOI: 10.1001/archinte.1964.03860090063003. View

8.

WEIL A, BENJAMINSON M, DEGUZMAN B . THE KLEBSIELLA-AEROBACTER-SERRATIA DIVISION: ITS ROLE IN COMMON INFECTIONS OF MAN. Trans N Y Acad Sci. 1964; 27:65-72. DOI: 10.1111/j.2164-0947.1964.tb03487.x. View

9.

BENNER E, MICKLEWAIT J, BRODIE J, KIRBY W . NATURAL AND ACQUIRED RESISTANCE OF KLEBSIELLA-AEROBACTER TO CEPHALOTHIN AND CEPHALORIDINE. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1965; 119:536-41. DOI: 10.3181/00379727-119-30231. View

10.

Steinhauer B, Eickhoff T, KISLAK J, FINLAND M . The Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia division. Clinical and epidemiologic characteristics. Ann Intern Med. 1966; 65(6):1180-94. DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-65-6-1180. View

11.

LERNER P, WEINSTEIN L . The differentiation of Klebsiella from Aerobacter species by sensitivity to cephalothins and penicillins. Am J Med Sci. 1967; 254(1):63-8. DOI: 10.1097/00000441-196707000-00007. View

Ten-minute Test for Differentiating Between Klebsiella and Enterobacter Isolates