Remel™ Kligler Iron Agar

Differentiate gram-negetive bacilli on the basis of lactose and dextrose fermentation and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production with Thermo Scientific™ Remel™ Kligler Iron Agar (KIA) (Dehydrated).

In 1918, Kligler formulated a medium for the detection of H₂S and differentation of Salmonella spp¹. Bailey and Lacey modified the medium by substituting phenol red indicator for Andrade indicator². Edwards and Ewing recommended KIA for the determination of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) production by enteric gram-negetive bacilli³ and Gilardi for detection of H₂S by some strains of Pseudomonas⁴.

Kligler’s Iron Agar (KIA) is used for differentiating Enterobacteriaceae by detecting H₂S production and carbohydrate fermentation reactions. The concentration of dextrose in KIA is one-tenth the concentration of lactose. This helps to distinguish those organisms which only ferment dextrose from those that also ferment lactose.

KIA contains casein and meat peptones to supply nitrogenous compounds, amino acids and vitamins essential for bacterial growth. Sodium chloride is a source of essential electrolytes and maintains osmotic equilibrium. Dextrose and lactose are sources of fermentable carbohydrates. Phenol red serves as an indicator of carbohydrate fermentation. Fermentation reactions are read on the slant and in the butt and indicated by a color change from red (alkaline) to yellow (acid).

The ferric ammonium citrate present in the KIA acts as an indicator of H₂S production.

Bubbles, splitting or displacement of the medium are an indication of gas production.

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