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💩 Stool Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria

🔬 Overview

This test is performed to identify pathogenic aerobic bacteria in the stool (feces) that may be causing gastrointestinal infections, such as diarrhea, dysentery, or food poisoning. It also helps in determining the appropriate antibiotic treatment through sensitivity testing.

📦 Sample & Test Details

Parameter	Details
Sample Type	Fresh stool sample
Container	Sterile, leak-proof stool collection container
Pre-Test Preparation	No fasting required; avoid antibiotics for at least 48–72 hours if possible
Collection Notes	Avoid contamination with urine or water
Turnaround Time	48–72 hours (culture); up to 5 days with antibiotic sensitivity report
Department	Microbiology

🎯 When is it Recommended?

Symptoms/Conditions	Reason
Acute or chronic diarrhea	Identify causative bacterial agent
Blood or mucus in stools	Rule out invasive pathogens
Suspected food poisoning	Determine responsible bacteria
Immunocompromised individuals	Detect unusual or resistant bacterial infections
Travel-related gastrointestinal issues	Diagnose traveler's diarrhea pathogens

🦠 Common Pathogens Detected

Bacterium	Associated Conditions
Salmonella spp.	Typhoid fever, foodborne gastroenteritis
Shigella spp.	Bacillary dysentery
Escherichia coli (EHEC, ETEC, EPEC)	Traveler’s diarrhea, bloody diarrhea
Campylobacter jejuni	Acute bacterial enteritis
Vibrio cholerae	Cholera (severe watery diarrhea)
Aeromonas spp.	Waterborne gastroenteritis
Yersinia enterocolitica	Rare cause of enterocolitis and mesenteric adenitis

Note: Normal gut flora may also grow – labs distinguish pathogenic vs. commensal organisms.

💊 Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing (AST)

Determines which antibiotics the isolated pathogen is susceptible to.
Common antibiotics tested: Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Cefixime, Azithromycin, Ampicillin.
Results categorized as:
- S – Sensitive
- I – Intermediate
- R – Resistant

📊 Result Interpretation

Result Type	Meaning
✅ No Growth	No pathogenic aerobic bacteria detected
❌ Positive Culture	Specific bacteria identified; sensitivity guides therapy
⚠️ Mixed Flora	Suggests contamination or presence of non-pathogenic flora

🧪 Recommended Additional Tests

Test	Why It's Useful
Stool for Ova & Parasites (O&P)	Detect parasitic infections (e.g., Giardia, Entamoeba)
Stool for Clostridium difficile toxin (GDH/ELISA)	If recent antibiotic use or hospital stay suspected
Stool for Occult Blood	Check for gastrointestinal bleeding
Stool PCR Panels	Detect multiple pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites)
Blood Culture	If systemic signs or typhoid-like symptoms are present
CRP / Procalcitonin	To assess severity of inflammation/infection

🧠 Clinical Relevance

Crucial for proper diagnosis in persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, or dysentery.
Helps avoid misuse of antibiotics and prevents drug resistance.
Recommended in outbreak investigations and food safety testing.

📌 Summary Table

Test Name	Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria (Stool)
Sample	Stool (fresh)
Tests For	Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, etc.
Purpose	Identify bacteria & determine effective antibiotics
Typical Conditions	Diarrhea, dysentery, GI infections
Turnaround Time	2–5 days
Next Steps	Antibiotic treatment, supportive therapy, further testing

Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria Stool

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