Bacteriological Stool Culture

• Study aims:
  • Diagnosis of acute and chronic intestinal infections.
  • Identification of causes of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
  • Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and intestinal sanitation.
  • Detection of microflora imbalance (dysbiosis) and assessment of normal flora restoration.
• Methodology:
  • Collection of fresh stool sample in a sterile container.
  • Inoculation of sample on selective nutrient media (e.g., MacConkey agar, Sabouraud agar, egg-yolk salt agar) promoting growth of various microflora.
  • Incubation at optimal temperature (~37°C) for 24–48 hours.
  • Assessment of colony growth and morphological characteristics.
• Microorganism identification:
  • Microscopic examination of cultured bacterial cells.
  • Biochemical tests to determine bacterial species.
  • Use of modern techniques: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, PCR, serological reactions (if needed).
• Sensitivity testing:
  • Testing isolated pathogenic bacteria for sensitivity to antibiotics and other antimicrobials.
  • Helps select the most effective treatment and prevent resistance development.
• Indications:
  • Chronic or acute diarrhea.
  • Suspected intestinal infections: Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, Campylobacteriosis and other bacterial diseases.
  • Monitoring antibiotic therapy results.
  • Diagnosis and monitoring of dysbiosis.
• Result interpretation features:
  • Isolation of pathogenic bacteria indicates infectious disease.
  • Presence of conditionally pathogenic flora may indicate microbiota imbalance.
  • Absence of pathogens requires comprehensive clinical evaluation.
• Advantages:
  • Allows precise identification of the pathogen.
  • Provides information on antibiotic sensitivity.
  • Facilitates optimized and individualized treatment.
  • Important for epidemiological monitoring.