Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria Throat Swab
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The throat swab culture test detects bacterial infections in the pharynx, tonsils, or throat.
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👅 Throat Swab Culture & Sensitivity (Aerobic Bacteria)
🔬 Overview
The throat swab culture test detects bacterial infections in the pharynx, tonsils, or throat. It is particularly useful in identifying the specific bacteria causing a sore throat or tonsillitis and helps determine the most effective antibiotic through sensitivity testing.
📦 Sample & Test Details
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Sample Type | Throat swab (posterior pharynx and tonsils, avoiding tongue) |
Collection Method | Sterile cotton swab, no gargling before sample |
Preparation Needed | No food, drink, or oral rinses 1–2 hours prior to test |
Container | Transport media (e.g., Stuart’s or Amies medium) |
Turnaround Time | 2–4 days (up to 5 days with sensitivity results) |
Department | Microbiology |
🎯 When is it Recommended?
Clinical Indications | Why the Test is Ordered |
|---|---|
Sore throat, especially with fever and swollen glands | Rule out bacterial tonsillitis or pharyngitis (e.g. strep throat) |
White patches or pus on tonsils | Detect streptococcal infection |
Recurrent throat infections | Identify chronic or resistant bacteria |
Hoarseness or persistent cough | Evaluate upper airway infection |
Suspected diphtheria or Neisseria infection | Special culture instructions (alert lab in advance) |
🦠 Common Pathogens Identified
Organism | Associated Infections |
|---|---|
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A) | Strep throat, scarlet fever |
Streptococcus pneumoniae | Pharyngitis, otitis media |
Haemophilus influenzae | Pediatric respiratory infections |
Moraxella catarrhalis | Pharyngitis, sinusitis |
Neisseria meningitidis | Pharyngitis, carrier state |
Corynebacterium diphtheriae | Diphtheria (if clinically suspected) |
💊 Antibiotic Sensitivity (AST)
- Identifies effective antibiotics based on zone of inhibition or MIC.
- Common antibiotics tested: Penicillin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Ceftriaxone.
- Reported as:
- S – Sensitive
- I – Intermediate
- R – Resistant
📊 Result Interpretation
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
✅ No Growth | No aerobic pathogenic bacteria found |
❌ Growth Detected | Pathogen identified; antibiotic sensitivity performed |
⚠️ Mixed Flora | May indicate contamination or normal flora |
🧪 Recommended Additional Tests
Test | Why it’s Useful |
|---|---|
Rapid Strep Test (RAT for Strep A) | Quick detection of Group A Streptococcus |
ASO Titre (Anti-Streptolysin O) | Detects recent Strep infection |
CRP / ESR | Markers of inflammation |
CBC (with Differential Count) | Look for raised WBC count (infection indicator) |
Throat Panel PCR (if available) | Comprehensive detection of multiple pathogens |
Monospot (for EBV) | If viral pharyngitis suspected |
🧠 Clinical Importance
- Essential in distinguishing bacterial from viral sore throat.
- Prevents unnecessary antibiotic use in viral infections.
- Prevents complications of Group A Streptococcus, like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.
📌 Summary Table
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Test Type | Aerobic Bacterial Culture + Antibiotic Sensitivity |
Sample | Throat Swab |
Utility | Detect pharyngitis/tonsillitis pathogens and guide treatment |
Turnaround Time | 2–5 days |
Common Bacteria | Streptococcus pyogenes, H. influenzae, Neisseria spp. |
Treatment Guidance | Antibiotic sensitivity provided |
How our test process works!
