Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria Sputum
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Detect aerobic bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract by analyzing a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from the lungs)
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🧪 Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria (Sputum Sample)
🔍 Overview
This test is used to detect aerobic bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract by analyzing a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from the lungs). It helps identify the specific bacterial pathogen responsible for respiratory infections and determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
📦 Sample & Test Details
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Sputum (not saliva) collected after a deep cough |
Collection Method | Early morning preferred; rinse mouth before collection |
Pre-Test Preparation | No special fasting, but avoid antiseptic mouthwashes before collection |
Container | Sterile wide-mouth container |
Processing Time | 48–72 hours (culture), 5–7 days (full sensitivity) |
Department | Microbiology |
🎯 When is it Recommended?
Symptoms/Conditions | Purpose |
|---|---|
Chronic cough with expectoration | Identify infective cause |
Suspected pneumonia, bronchitis, or lung abscess | Detect pathogen and tailor antibiotic treatment |
Suspected tuberculosis (TB ruled out or tested separately) | Differentiate from other lung infections |
In immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV, COPD) | Detect opportunistic infections |
🦠 Common Aerobic Pathogens Identified
Organism | Associated Conditions |
|---|---|
Streptococcus pneumoniae | Community-acquired pneumonia |
Haemophilus influenzae | COPD exacerbations, bronchitis |
Klebsiella pneumoniae | Severe pneumonia, especially in alcoholics |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, nosocomial infections |
Staphylococcus aureus | Post-influenza pneumonia, MRSA |
Escherichia coli | Nosocomial lower respiratory infections |
💊 Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing
- Done after isolation of bacteria.
- Common antibiotics tested: Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Piperacillin-tazobactam, Meropenem, etc.
- Results reported as:
- S – Sensitive
- I – Intermediate
- R – Resistant
📊 Result Interpretation
Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
✅ No Growth | No aerobic bacterial infection detected |
❌ Growth Detected | Bacteria isolated; sensitivity results guide treatment |
⚠️ Mixed Flora | Likely contamination with oropharyngeal bacteria |
Note: A Gram stain is usually done first to check sample quality. Too many squamous cells indicate saliva contamination.
🧪 Recommended Additional Tests
Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
Gram Stain (Sputum) | Assess sample quality and initial bacterial morphology |
AFB Smear / TB PCR / CBNAAT | Rule out tuberculosis |
Chest X-ray / CT Thorax | Correlate with radiologic signs of infection |
Blood Culture | If systemic infection is suspected |
CRP / ESR / Procalcitonin | Assess severity of infection |
Fungal Culture | If suspected in immunocompromised or unresponsive patients |
🧠 Clinical Significance
- Helps avoid empirical antibiotic use.
- Prevents development of antibiotic resistance.
- Crucial for treating hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated infections.
📌 Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Test Type | Bacterial Culture + Antibiotic Sensitivity |
Sample | Sputum (deep respiratory secretion) |
Utility | Diagnosing lower respiratory bacterial infections |
Turnaround Time | 2–7 days |
Next Steps | Tailored antibiotic treatment, imaging studies if unresolved |
How our test process works!
