OXOID Kligler Iron Agar (KIA) – Trusted Medium for Enteric Bacteria Identification

 Overview

OXOID Kligler Iron Agar (KIA) is a high-quality differential culture medium used for the identification of Gram-negative enteric bacteria, particularly members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It enables the detection of glucose and lactose fermentation, gas production, and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) formation in a single test.

Manufactured by Oxoid Ltd., part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, this medium ensures consistent, reliable, and internationally recognized laboratory performance.

 Principle of OXOID KIA

Kligler Iron Agar works on the basis of carbohydrate fermentation and sulfur reduction:

• Glucose (0.1%) and Lactose (1%) act as fermentable sugars
• Phenol red indicates pH changes
• Sodium thiosulfate and ferrous salts detect H₂S production

Interpretation of Results:

• Yellow slant / Yellow butt (A/A) → Glucose + Lactose fermentation
• Red slant / Yellow butt (K/A) → Glucose fermentation only
• Red slant / Red butt (K/K) → No fermentation
• Black precipitate → Positive for H₂S production
• Gas formation → Cracks, bubbles, or lifting of agar

 Key Features & Benefits

• Differential medium for enteric pathogen identification
• Detects multiple biochemical reactions in one tube
• Clear and easy-to-read results
• High-quality formulation with consistent batch performance
• Suitable for clinical, food, and research laboratories

Applications

• Clinical microbiology diagnostics
• Identification of intestinal pathogens (Salmonella, Shigella, etc.)
• Food and water testing laboratories
• Pharmaceutical quality control
• Academic and research institutions

 Composition (Typical per Liter)

• Peptone – Nutrient source
• Yeast extract – Growth support
• Lactose & Glucose – Carbohydrate sources
• Phenol red – pH indicator
• Sodium thiosulfate – Sulfur source
• Ferrous sulfate – H₂S indicator
• Agar – Solidifying agent

 Preparation & Usage Instructions

1. Suspend the required amount of dehydrated medium in distilled water
2. Heat gently to dissolve completely
3. Sterilize by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes
4. Dispense into tubes and allow to solidify as a slant with butt
5. Inoculate by stab (butt) and streak (slant) method
6. Incubate at 35–37°C for 18–24 hours
7. Observe color changes, gas formation, and H₂S production

 Storage & Handling

• Store at 10–30°C in a dry environment
• Keep tightly closed after use
• Protect from moisture and direct sunlight

 Why Choose OXOID Kligler Iron Agar?

• Trusted global brand in microbiology
• Accurate and reproducible results
• Ideal for routine diagnostics and research
• Easy preparation and reliable performance