File:Klebsiella pneumoniae Antimicrobial Susceptility Testing (AST), and Biochemical Test Results.jpg

English: Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) for Klebsiella pneumoniae: AST is a process used to determine the susceptibility of bacteria to various antimicrobial agents. This information is crucial for guiding appropriate antibiotic treatment. The testing involves growing the bacteria in the presence of different antibiotics and observing their growth patterns.

AST results are typically reported as "susceptible," "intermediate," or "resistant." The categories are based on established breakpoints that indicate whether the bacteria are likely to respond to a particular antibiotic. The results help clinicians select the most effective antibiotic for treating the infection.

Biochemical Tests for Klebsiella pneumoniae:Biochemical tests are used to identify and differentiate bacterial species based on their metabolic and enzymatic characteristics. Here are some common biochemical tests and the expected results for Klebsiella pneumoniae: Catalase Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is catalase-positive, which means it produces the enzyme catalase that converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, resulting in the formation of bubbles.Citrate Utilization Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is typically positive for citrate utilization. It can use citrate as a sole carbon source, causing the medium to turn from green to blue due to alkaline pH.Indole Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is generally negative for the indole test. It does not produce indole from the breakdown of tryptophan.

Urease Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is positive for the urease test. It produces the enzyme urease, which breaks down urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, leading to a color change in the medium. Lactose Fermentation Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a lactose fermenter. It can produce acid from lactose fermentation, causing the medium to turn yellow. Motility Test: Klebsiella pneumoniae is non-motile. This can be observed in motility agar, where the bacteria do not spread beyond the point of inoculation.