Tank seeding with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics

Bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture) is by far the most informative study that allows you to identify pathogens, as well as determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibiotics. For this purpose, biological material, namely urine, feces, blood, semen, mucus from the oral cavity, is placed in a nutrient medium favorable for the growth and development of microbes, such as agar or sugar broth. If there is no growth of microorganisms, the result is considered negative. If the growth of bacteria or, for example, fungi is still detected in such a concentration at which the development of infection is possible, then the result of bakposev is positive. The number of microorganisms per unit volume of biomaterial during bakposev is determined in colony-forming units (CFU). A colony-forming unit (CFU) is a single living microbial cell, or group of cells, from which a visible colony of microorganisms grows. With a positive result of bakposev, that is, if the causative agent of the infection is identified, it is necessary to choose an antibacterial drug that is effective to combat it. For this purpose, the sensitivity to antibiotics of isolated cultures of microorganisms (antibiogram) is determined. Determination of sensitivity to antibiotics is extremely important in order to prescribe effective treatment.

When is the appointment of an analysis for bacterial culture issued?

To determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora to assess its clinical significance in non-specific infections of the urogenital tract, the attending physician may issue a referral to the patient for a urogenital smear. Another reason for analysis is the planned examination and prevention of the development of diseases of a bacterial nature. Bakposev is the most informative research method in identifying pathogens of sexually transmitted diseases. Biological material for research is taken directly from the urethra, vagina, cervix or rectum. It all depends on the specific situation and the patient’s complaints.

The study of microflora is mandatory when planning a pregnancy; in this case, a referral is issued to both partners. A pregnant woman is regularly tested for culture, as pathogenic microflora can cause fetal developmental disorders and provoke premature termination of pregnancy.

If a patient addresses a urologist with complaints of discomfort during urination, pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, in order to exclude infection, a referral for a urogenital smear is issued.

The reason to visit a gynecologist or urologist and get a referral for bacteriology is a rash on the genitals and in the inguinal zone, ulcers, the appearance of purulent discharge or discharge that has a pronounced odor.

This diagnostic method is also used in determining the nature of many other diseases, in particular, ENT organs. For example, in order to establish the cause of a purulent plaque in the oral cavity or an abundant discharge of mucus from the nose, this analysis is also prescribed.

Preparation for research

Bakposev with the determination of sensitivity to antibiotics requires compliance with certain preparation rules. Only in this case it will be possible to say that the data obtained are true and make it possible to establish the correct diagnosis.

Preparation depends on what biological material is needed for the study. For example, if we are talking about venous blood, the only recommendation is to take an analysis on an empty stomach. And, if possible, a day before the procedure, give up alcohol and fatty foods.

If you need to pass urine, the conditions change slightly. In the absence of pathologies, the fluid in the bladder is absolutely sterile, and its saturation with microflora occurs already at the moment of passage through the urinary canals. A small content of pathogenic microorganisms in the liquid is considered the norm, but their excess indicates the development of the disease.

Therefore, it is important to properly collect material for analysis. To do this, patients should adhere to the following recommendations:

• preliminary hygiene of the genital organs;
• collection of “average” urine;
• only sterile containers are used to collect the analysis;
• delivery of urine to the laboratory no later than 2 hours after collection.

Feces for analysis are collected immediately after the act of defecation in a sterile container.

If biological material for analysis is taken from the oral or nasal cavity, vagina, rectum or urethra, the sampling takes place directly within the walls of a medical institution.

It is forbidden to pre-carry out hygiene procedures using antiseptics, as this will distort the results of the study.

A pregnant woman is given a referral for bacterial seeding twice – at the initial stage (during the registration process) and at 36-37 weeks. The swab is taken from the vagina, cervix and nose. The main goal is to control the microflora of the mucous membranes. If abnormalities are detected, immediate therapy is indicated, especially when it comes to detecting E. coli in late pregnancy – during natural childbirth, the child can become infected.

It should be understood that a smear for flora and bakposev are two different research methods. In the first case, biological material is simply studied in order to identify bacteria there. In the second, the obtained biomaterial sample is placed in a nutrient medium. After a certain time period, a study of “grown” microorganisms is carried out and the causative agents of the disease are identified.

The results of bacterial culture should be expected from 3 to 7 days. In addition, only in this way it is possible to determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibiotics and select the most effective treatment.

Who is involved in deciphering the analysis for bakposev?

In the laboratory, upon completion of the study of biological material, ready-made results are issued, and already on them the attending physician can establish a diagnosis and develop a method of therapy. The results obtained may indicate the following:

• the absence or presence of growth;
• the number of opportunistic pathogens and yeast-like fungi grown in the sowing;
• genus and type of representatives of conditionally pathogenic flora;
• sensitivity of pathogens (including yeast-like fungi) to antibiotics and antifungal drugs (if the amount is more than 104 CFU / ml).

S. agalactiae and S. pyogenes are regarded as pathogenic streptococci, to which sensitivity to antibiotics is always determined, regardless of the titer.

It is quite natural that many patients try to independently compare the obtained data with established norms. But, lack of awareness can lead to stress. For example, some bacteria are conditionally pathogenic, that is, they cause harm to the body only when conditions are created for their active reproduction. If the indicators are normal, then there is no reason for concern. There are exclusively pathogenic bacteria, the presence of which in the biological material indicates a disease.

Considering that all bacteria are written in abbreviated Latin letters, it is very difficult for an uninformed person to understand this. And yet, it is not necessary. Let an experienced doctor do this, who will be able not only to correctly decipher the tests, but also to develop a plan for further actions that contribute to a quick recovery.

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