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Anaerobic Culture and Susceptibility (Manual method)
Bacterial/ Viral
Report in 144Hrs
At Home
No Fasting Required
Details
Culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing for anaerobic bacteria using conventional techniques.
₹1,576₹2,252
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Anaerobic Culture and Susceptibility (Manual Method) - Comprehensive Guide
- Why is it done?
- Identifies and isolates anaerobic bacteria from clinical specimens that thrive in oxygen-free environments
- Determines antibiotic susceptibility patterns of anaerobic pathogens using manual laboratory techniques
- Diagnoses infections involving anaerobic bacteria in intra-abdominal, pelvic, respiratory, and soft tissue infections
- Guides targeted antibiotic therapy by identifying which antimicrobial agents are most effective against isolated organisms
- Typically performed when anaerobic infection is clinically suspected based on specimen source, presentation, or Gram stain findings
- Indicated for samples from normally sterile body sites that may contain pathogenic anaerobes
- Normal Range
- Normal Result: No growth of anaerobic bacteria after 48-72 hours of culture
- Interpretation: Negative culture indicates absence of significant anaerobic infection at the site sampled
- Positive Result: Growth of anaerobic bacteria isolated and identified
- Susceptibility Results: Reported as Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) for each antimicrobial agent tested using CLSI standards
- Units: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) in µg/mL or qualitative categories (S/I/R)
- Interpretation
- No Growth: Indicates either the specimen does not contain viable anaerobic pathogens or the anaerobes were eliminated by prior antibiotic therapy. May represent normal flora or contamination.
- Isolated Organism Identification: Report specifies anaerobic species (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium difficile, Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium) which indicates true anaerobic infection
- Susceptible (S): Antibiotic is likely effective at standard clinical dosages; recommended for therapy
- Intermediate (I): Antibiotic may be effective depending on concentration achievable at infection site; used when clinical circumstances warrant
- Resistant (R): Antibiotic is ineffective; organism is unlikely to respond to therapy; avoid this agent
- Mixed Flora Results: Multiple anaerobic species may be isolated; each reported with individual identification and susceptibilities
- Factors Affecting Results: Specimen collection method, transport time, prior antibiotic exposure, specimen quality, and proper anaerobic handling all impact culture results
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Gastrointestinal tract - intra-abdominal infections, appendicitis, diverticulitis, peritonitis
- Reproductive system - pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscesses, endometritis, bacterial vaginosis complications
- Biliary system - cholecystitis, cholangitis
- Respiratory tract - lung abscesses, empyema, aspiration pneumonia
- Soft tissues and skin - diabetic foot ulcers, necrotizing fasciitis, surgical site infections
- Central nervous system - brain abscesses, subdural empyema
- Bloodstream - bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis
- Associated Medical Conditions:
- Anaerobic infections from Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium species, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, and Fusobacterium
- Polymicrobial infections combining aerobic and anaerobic organisms
- Healthcare-associated infections with resistant anaerobic strains
- Potential Complications:
- Sepsis and septic shock if anaerobic infection progresses untreated
- Abscess formation and spread of infection to adjacent tissues
- Organ dysfunction or failure related to anatomical involvement
- Treatment delays if results are not interpreted correctly or culture contamination occurs
- Follow-up Tests
- Additional Testing Based on Results:
- Repeat culture if initial results show contamination or if clinical response is inadequate
- Aerobic culture and susceptibility from same specimen source to identify concurrent aerobic pathogens
- Blood cultures if bacteremia or sepsis is suspected
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess inflammatory response and white blood cell elevation
- Comprehensive metabolic panel to evaluate organ function and metabolic effects of infection
- Lactate level to assess severity of infection and tissue hypoxia
- Procalcitonin or C-reactive protein to monitor inflammatory markers
- Imaging studies (CT, ultrasound, MRI) if abscess localization is needed for drainage procedures
- Monitoring and Surveillance:
- Clinical response monitoring within 24-48 hours of therapy initiation
- Repeat cultures if infection persists despite appropriate therapy (every 48-72 hours as clinically indicated)
- Clinical reassessment for adequate source control (drainage of abscesses)
- Serial inflammatory markers to confirm clinical improvement
- Complementary Tests:
- Gram stain of the original specimen for morphological characteristics aiding identification
- PCR or molecular identification for rapid anaerobic species detection
- Toxin assays if Clostridium difficile is isolated
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting: No
- Fasting is not required for anaerobic culture collection as specimens are obtained directly from the infection site
- Specimen Collection Instructions:
- Collect specimens in appropriate anaerobic transport systems (anaerobic swabs or syringes with oxygen-free environment)
- Avoid exposure to air; maintain anaerobic conditions during collection and transport
- Transport specimens promptly to laboratory (preferably within 15-30 minutes)
- Medications to Avoid:
- If possible, postpone antibiotic therapy until after specimen collection to improve culture sensitivity
- If already on antibiotics, notify laboratory as this may affect culture results
- Additional Preparation:
- Disinfect skin with appropriate agents before percutaneous specimen collection to reduce surface contamination
- Use sterile technique to prevent contamination with skin flora or environmental organisms
- Do not use formalin or other preservatives as these kill anaerobic organisms
- Collect adequate volume of specimen (minimum 1 mL fluid or tissue) for optimal culture sensitivity
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