Bacteriological Stool Culture
Bacteriological stool culture is a lab test for isolating, identifying, and determining antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms present in the intestines. It helps detect bacteria causing intestinal infections, dysbiosis, and other conditions.
- Purpose of the test:
- Diagnose acute and chronic intestinal infections.
- Identify causes of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Monitor treatment effectiveness and intestinal sanitation.
- Detect microflora imbalances (dysbiosis) and assess microbiota restoration.
- Test method:
- Collect fresh stool sample in a sterile container.
- Culture on special media (e.g., MacConkey, Sabouraud, egg yolk-salt agar) to grow diverse microflora.
- Incubate at about 37°C for 24–48 hours.
- Evaluate colony growth and morphology.
- Microorganism identification:
- Microscopic examination of cultured bacteria.
- Biochemical tests for species identification.
- Advanced methods: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, PCR, serology (if needed).
- Antibiotic sensitivity testing:
- Test pathogen sensitivity to antibiotics and other antimicrobials.
- Helps choose effective treatment and prevent resistance.
- Indications:
- Chronic or acute diarrhea.
- Suspected bacterial infections like salmonellosis, shigellosis, campylobacteriosis.
- Monitoring antibiotic therapy outcomes.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of dysbiosis.
- Result interpretation:
- Presence of pathogens indicates infection.
- Conditionally pathogenic flora may indicate microbiota imbalance.
- Absence of pathogens requires clinical context evaluation.
- Advantages:
- Accurate pathogen identification.
- Information on antibiotic sensitivity.
- Helps optimize and personalize therapy.
- Important for epidemiological monitoring.
Summary: Bacteriological stool culture is a key and informative method for diagnosing bacterial intestinal infections and assessing microflora, supporting proper treatment choices and monitoring effectiveness.