What is the Difference Between E. Coli and Klebsiella?

E. Coli and Klebsiella are both rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. However, there are several differences between them:

1. Indole Test: E. Coli produces a positive result in the Indole test, while Klebsiella produces a negative result.
2. Size: E. Coli is typically 2 µm long and has a diameter of 0.25 to 1 µm, while Klebsiella is 0.5-5 µm long and 0.3-1.5 µm wide.
3. Habitat: E. Coli is normally found in the human gut microbiota and can also be found in water contaminated with fecal matter. Klebsiella, on the other hand, is found in the mouth, nose, and intestine of humans, as well as in plants, animals, soil, and water.
4. Anaerobicity: E. Coli is facultatively anaerobic, while most Klebsiella species are aerobic, with some being facultative anaerobes.
5. Carbon Source: E. Coli can ferment lactose, while some Klebsiella species cannot.
6. Biofilm Production: Klebsiella species have been found to be more associated with urinary catheter use than E. Coli.
7. Antibiotic Susceptibility: E. Coli and Klebsiella have different resistance rates to various antibiotics, such as ampicillin, co-amoxiclav, ceftazidime, gentamycin, amikacin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and imipenem.

These differences can be important in understanding their behavior and proliferation within the human body, as well as in determining appropriate treatments for infections caused by these bacteria.

Comparative Table: E. Coli vs Klebsiella

E. coli and Klebsiella are both gram-negative bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. They share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Here is a table comparing the key differences between E. coli and Klebsiella:

Both E. coli and Klebsiella are found in various environments and can cause infections in humans. E. coli is a harmless organism that is part of the gut microbiota, while Klebsiella is found in different environments and humans. E. coli is facultatively anaerobic, meaning it can survive in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, while most Klebsiella species are aerobes, with a few being facultative anaerobes. Additionally, E. coli produces a positive result in the Indole test, while Klebsiella produces a negative result.