Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria CSF
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It helps identify the causative organism of meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscess, and determine effective antibiotics
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🧪 Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria (CSF)
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
🔍 Overview
The CSF Culture & Sensitivity (C&S) test is used to detect aerobic bacterial infections of the central nervous system (CNS) by culturing cerebrospinal fluid, typically collected through lumbar puncture. It helps identify the causative organism of meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscess, and determine effective antibiotics.
🧫 Test Details
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) |
Volume Required | 1–3 mL (minimum); sterile container |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
Method | Aerobic culture + Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing |
Turnaround Time | Preliminary: 24–48 hours |
Department | Microbiology |
🎯 Why is this Test Done?
Indication | Purpose |
|---|---|
Suspected bacterial meningitis | Identify causative aerobic bacteria |
CNS infection in immunocompromised | Guide targeted antibiotic therapy |
Neonatal sepsis | Rule out CNS involvement |
Post-surgical CNS infection | Detect nosocomial infection |
🦠 Common Organisms Detected
Organism | Age/Condition Specificity |
|---|---|
Streptococcus pneumoniae | All age groups |
Neisseria meningitidis | Teenagers, young adults |
Haemophilus influenzae | Young children (esp. unvaccinated) |
Escherichia coli | Neonates |
Listeria monocytogenes | Elderly, neonates, immunocompromised |
Staphylococcus aureus/epidermidis | Post-neurosurgical infections |
📈 Result Interpretation
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
✅ No Growth | No aerobic bacteria detected after full incubation |
❌ Positive Culture | Identifies pathogen and guides therapy (via sensitivity pattern) |
⚠️ Contamination | May occur if aseptic collection is compromised (e.g., skin flora) |
💊 What is Sensitivity Testing?
Helps identify which antibiotics the isolated bacteria are:
- S = Sensitive
- I = Intermediate
- R = Resistant
This guides precise and effective treatment.
🛑 Pre-Test Requirements
Requirement | Reason |
|---|---|
Perform before starting antibiotics | Antibiotics can reduce bacterial load and yield false negatives |
Sterile lumbar puncture technique | Prevents contamination |
Transport sample immediately to lab | CSF is nutrient-rich and supports rapid microbial growth |
🧪 Recommended Additional Tests
Often ordered alongside CSF C&S to fully evaluate CNS infection:
Test | Why |
|---|---|
CSF Cell Count & Differential | Detect WBC count & type (neutrophilic = bacterial) |
CSF Protein & Glucose | Decreased glucose, increased protein → bacterial infection |
CSF Gram Stain | Quick microscopic evidence of bacteria |
CSF AFB Stain / TB PCR | If TB meningitis is suspected |
CSF PCR Panel | Viral/bacterial meningitis panel for rapid detection |
Blood Culture | For systemic bacteremia with CNS spread |
🧠 Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Sample | CSF collected via lumbar puncture |
Tests For | Aerobic bacterial growth + antibiotic susceptibility |
Used To Diagnose | Meningitis, CNS infections |
Next Steps | Adjust antibiotics based on result |
How our test process works!
