Klebsiella pneumoniae basic biochemical properties

Two strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae on Endo agar with biochemical slope.

    Typical biochemical properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae are:

  • lactose fermentation (pink, mucous colonies on Endo; compare with E.coli lactose positive colonies)
  • D-mannitol fermentation (colour change around the tablet isn't obvious; compare with Shigella)
  • sucrose fermentation (colour change around the tablet isn't obvious)
  • urea hydrolysis
  • acid from glucose with gas
  • hydrogen sulfide negative

  • Additional tests for identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae are here.