Which of the following is not a characteristic of Klebsiella granulomatis?

• A. Is often sexually transmitted
• B. Is isolated on chocolate agar
• C. Is the causative agent of granuloma inguinale
• D. Can be diagnosed by detection of Donovan bodies

Answer: (B)

Klebsiella granulomatis is the organism that causes granuloma inguinale (donovanosis), a sexually transmitted infection. A defining diagnostic feature is finding Donovan bodies inside macrophages in tissue smears or biopsies, which provides a direct visual cue of infection. This organism is notoriously difficult to culture; it does not grow reliably on routine media, including chocolate agar. That’s why the statement about being isolated on chocolate agar is not accurate. In contrast, sexually transmitted transmission, its role as the causative agent of granuloma inguinale, and the presence of Donovan bodies for diagnosis are correct and reflect the organism’s real clinical and diagnostic behavior.