Nasopharyngeal culture for staphylococcus

Posted on by admin

Swab from the throat and nose: concept, when and how to do it, explanation

A swab from the throat is taken for a standard bacteriological study in order to study the microbial composition and quantitative ratio of the microflora of the nasopharynx.

Table of contents:

This is a laboratory diagnostic method that allows you to identify pathogens of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. To determine the etiology of the infection, it is necessary to conduct a bacteriological study of the discharge of the nose and pharynx for microflora.

Specialists refer patients with chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis to a microbiological laboratory, where biomaterial is taken from the nose and pharynx with a sterile cotton swab and examined. Based on the results of the analysis, the specialist determines the causative agent of the pathology and its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Reasons and purposes of taking a smear for microflora from the throat and nose:

  • Diagnosis of sore throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus and leading to the development of severe complications - glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, myocarditis.
  • The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the nasopharynx, which provokes the formation of boils on the skin.
  • Bacteriological seeding of clinical material for inflammation of the nasopharynx is carried out in order to exclude diphtheria infection.
  • Suspicion of meningococcal or pertussis infection, as well as respiratory ailments.
  • Diagnosis of stenosing laryngitis, mononucleosis, abscesses located near the tonsils includes a one-time analysis.
  • Persons in contact with an infectious patient, as well as children entering kindergarten or school, undergo a preventive examination to identify bacterial carriage.
  • A complete examination of pregnant women includes taking a swab from the throat for microflora.
  • A swab from the throat and nose for staphylococcus is taken for preventive purposes by all medical workers, kindergarten teachers, cooks and grocery store clerks.
  • A throat swab to determine the cellular composition of the discharge. The material to be studied is applied to a special glass slide. Under a microscope, a laboratory technician counts the number of eosinophils and other cells in the field of view. A study is being conducted to determine the allergic nature of the disease.

Patients are sent to the bacteriological laboratory to examine material from the nasopharynx in order to exclude or confirm a specific infection. The direction indicates the microorganism whose presence must be confirmed or refuted.

Microflora of the nasopharynx

The mucous membrane of the pharynx and nose is home to many microorganisms that make up the normal microflora of the nasopharynx. A study of the discharge of the throat and nose shows the qualitative and quantitative relationship of the microbes living in a given locus.

Types of microorganisms living on the nasopharyngeal mucosa in healthy people:

  1. Bacteroides,
  2. Veillonella,
  3. Escherichia coli
  4. Branhamella,
  5. Pseudomonas,
  6. Streptococcus matans,
  7. Neisseria meningitides,
  8. Klebsiella pneumonia
  9. Staphylococcus epidermidis,
  10. viridans streptococcus,
  11. Non-pathogenic Neisseria,
  12. Diphtheroids,
  13. Corynebacteria,
  14. Candida spp.
  15. Haemophilis spp.,
  16. Actinomyces spp.

In case of pathology, the following microorganisms can be detected in a smear from the throat and nose:

We recommend reading more about the staphylococcus found in the smear, its pathogenicity and staphylococcal infection at the link.

Preparing for analysis

In order for the analysis results to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to correctly select clinical material. To do this, you should prepare.

Two weeks before collecting the material, stop taking systemic antibiotics, and 5-7 days before, it is recommended to stop using antibacterial solutions, rinses, sprays and ointments for topical use. The test should be taken on an empty stomach. Before this, it is forbidden to brush your teeth, drink water and chew gum. Otherwise, the analysis result may be false.

A nasal swab for eosinophils is also taken on an empty stomach. If a person has eaten, he must wait at least two hours.

Taking material

To properly take material from the pharynx, patients tilt their heads back and open their mouths wide. Specially trained laboratory personnel press the tongue with a spatula and collect the pharyngeal secretions with a special instrument - a sterile cotton swab. Then he removes it from the mouth and puts it into a test tube. The test tube contains a special solution that prevents the death of microbes during transportation of the material. The test tube must be delivered to the laboratory within two hours from the moment the material is collected. Taking a throat swab is a painless but unpleasant procedure. Touching a cotton swab to the mucous membrane of the pharynx can provoke vomiting.

To take a nasal swab, you need to sit the patient opposite and tilt his head slightly back. Before the analysis, it is necessary to clear the nose of existing mucus. The skin of the nostrils is treated with 70% alcohol. A sterile swab is inserted alternately, first into one and then into the other nasal passage, turning the instrument and firmly touching its walls. The swab is quickly lowered into a test tube and the material is sent for microscopic and microbiological examination.

Microscopic examination

The material to be examined is applied to a glass slide, fixed in a burner flame, Gram stained, and examined under an oil immersion microscope. Gram-negative or gram-positive rods, cocci or coccobacilli are detected in the smear, and their morphological and tinctorial properties are studied.

Microscopic signs of bacteria are an important diagnostic guide. If the smear contains gram-positive cocci, located in clusters resembling bunches of grapes, it is assumed that the causative agent of the pathology is staphylococcus. If the cocci stain positive for Gram and are located in the smear in chains or pairs, it may be streptococci; gram-negative cocci - Neisseria; gram-negative rods with rounded ends and a light capsule - Klebsiella, small gram-negative rods - Escherichia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further microbiological examination is continued taking into account microscopic signs.

Inoculation of the test material

Each microorganism grows in its “native” environment, taking into account pH and humidity. Media can be differential diagnostic, selective, universal. Their main purpose is to provide nutrition, respiration, growth and reproduction of bacterial cells.

Inoculation of the test material must be carried out in a sterile box or laminar flow hood. The healthcare worker must wear sterile clothing, gloves, a mask and shoe covers. This is necessary to maintain sterility in the work area. In the box, you should work silently, carefully, ensuring personal safety, since any biological material is considered suspicious and obviously infectious.

A nasopharyngeal swab is inoculated onto nutrient media and incubated in a thermostat. After a few days, colonies of different shapes, sizes and colors grow on the media.

There are special nutrient media that are selective for a specific microorganism.

  1. The main medium for germs of the throat and nose is blood agar. This is a highly sensitive medium containing nutrients for saprophytic and pathogenic bacteria. Pneumococci and Staphylococcus aureus produce hemolysins and cause hemolysis of red blood cells. The hemolytic activity of microbes is the main pathogenicity factor that most pathogenic bacteria possess. The growth pattern, color and zone of hemolysis differ among microbes of different genera and species.
  2. Sabouraud's medium or thioglycollate medium is universal and suitable for a wide range of microbes.
  3. Yolk-salt agar is an selective medium for growing staphylococci.
  4. Warmed Blood Agar - Chocolate Agar. This is a non-selective, enriched nutrient medium used for growing pathogenic bacteria. On this medium, gonococci, Haemophilus influenzae and pathogens of purulent bacterial meningitis grow.
  5. Endo medium is a differential diagnostic medium for the cultivation of enterobacteriaceae.
  6. Enterococcus is a nutrient medium for the isolation of enterococci.

The material is rubbed into the medium with a swab on a small area measuring 2 square meters. cm, and then using a bacteriological loop, streaks are scattered over the entire surface of the Petri dish. The crops are incubated in a thermostat at a certain temperature. The next day, the crops are examined, the number of colonies grown is taken into account and their nature is described. Individual colonies are reseeded on selective nutrient media to isolate and accumulate a pure culture. Microscopic examination of a pure culture makes it possible to determine the size and shape of the bacterium, the presence of a capsule, flagella, spores, and the relationship of the microbe to staining. The isolated microorganisms are identified to genus and species, and if necessary, phage typing and serotyping are carried out.

Research result

Microbiologists write out the results of the study on a special form. To decipher the result of a throat smear, indicator values ​​are required. The name of the microorganism consists of two Latin words denoting the genus and type of microbe. Next to the name, indicate the number of bacterial cells, expressed in special colony-forming units. After determining the concentration of the microorganism, they move on to designating its pathogenicity - “opportunistic flora”.

In healthy people, bacteria live on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and perform a protective function. They do not cause discomfort and do not cause inflammation. Under the influence of unfavorable endogenous and exogenous factors, the number of these microorganisms increases sharply, which leads to the development of pathology.

Normally, the content of saprophytic and opportunistic microbes in the nasopharynx should not exceed 4 CFU/ml, and pathogenic bacteria should be absent. Only a doctor with special skills and knowledge can determine the pathogenicity of a microbe and decipher the analysis. The doctor will determine the feasibility and necessity of prescribing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs to the patient.

After identifying the causative agent of the pathology and identifying it to genus and species, they proceed to determining its sensitivity to phages, antibiotics and antimicrobials. It is necessary to treat a disease of the throat or nose with the antibiotic to which the identified microbe is most sensitive.

throat swab test results

Options for the results of a throat smear examination:

  • A negative culture result for microflora means there are no causative agents of bacterial or fungal infection. In this case, the cause of the pathology is viruses, not bacteria or fungi.
  • A positive culture result for microflora indicates a growth of pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria that can cause acute pharyngitis, diphtheria, whooping cough and other bacterial infections. With the growth of fungal flora, oral candidiasis develops, the causative agent of which is biological agents of the 3rd pathogenicity group - yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Microbiological examination of the throat and nose flora makes it possible to determine the type of microbes and their quantitative ratio. All pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are subject to complete identification. The result of laboratory diagnostics allows the doctor to correctly prescribe treatment.

Source: http://uhonos.ru/gorlo/lechenie-gorla/mazok-iz-zeva-i-nosa/

First Doctor

What does throat culture show?

A throat swab gives an idea of ​​the composition of the microflora of the oropharynx. The doctor, having assessed the quantitative composition of microbes, can confirm the infectious origin of the disease. Culture indicates not only the type of microorganisms, but also allows you to determine the antibiogram. Based on the results of the tank study, he prescribes antibacterial drugs that will be most effective in this case.

Why is smear diagnostics performed?

confirmation of the infectious origin of tonsillitis, sinusitis, meningitis, whooping cough and other diseases; search for Staphylococcus aureus, which causes purulent lesions of the skin (furunculosis, pyoderma); to exclude diphtheria in the absence of Loeffler's bacillus in smears; for the diagnosis of stenosing laryngitis, as well as mononucleosis.

For preventive purposes, taking a throat smear is indicated:

people who have had contact with a sick person to determine bacterial carriage; when finding employment in the food industry, in medical and children's institutions; children before visiting educational institutions, sports activities, swimming pools to prevent epidemics; before hospitalization, in the preoperative period.

Pregnant women are required to undergo research to determine the risk of developing an infectious disease, as well as the occurrence of complications in the fetus.

Preparatory stage

In order for the analysis to provide the most accurate results, you must follow some recommendations. Preparation includes:

5 days before the examination, it is prohibited to take antibacterial drugs, which will allow the proliferation of pathogenic microbes to resume; 3 days before the diagnosis, the use of rinsing solutions, as well as sprays with an antiseptic effect, will be discontinued. They reduce the number of pathogenic microbes, which makes diagnosis difficult; a throat swab is performed on an empty stomach; Before the study, chewing gum and drinks are prohibited, and brushing your teeth is undesirable.

Material collection process

You can make the process of taking a swab from the throat easier by following a certain algorithm of actions. The patient needs to tilt his head back slightly and open his mouth as much as possible to show the specialist the posterior pharyngeal wall.

The tongue is fixed with a spatula to the bottom of the mouth. A throat swab is taken with a sterile swab located at the end of an elongated loop. Take a smear carefully, without touching the swab to other surfaces of the oral cavity.

The collected material with a swab is placed in a test tube, after which it is transported to the laboratory within the first 90 minutes. The algorithm must be followed to obtain reliable research results.

When passing a sterile swab along the surface of the posterior pharyngeal wall, the patient may experience gagging, especially with a pronounced gag reflex.

Microscopy and culture

Microscopic examination is carried out before bacterial culture to determine the cellular composition in order to predict which colonies can grow on the nutrient medium.

Microscopy is performed by Gram staining, after which the cells are visualized under a microscope. Sowing is done on a specific medium, since each type of microorganism requires pH and humidity levels.

Sowing on flora ensures the growth of colonies, based on the shape and shade of which the type of microorganisms is established. The main task of culture media is to ensure respiration and nutrition of microbes for rapid growth and reproduction.

The material is sown in sterile laboratory conditions in compliance with aseptic rules. Medical staff should not forget about protective equipment, since biological material can be extremely dangerous in terms of infection.

The culture results are assessed daily, but final conclusions are made a week later by analyzing the color, shape and other characteristics of the colonies.

Particular attention is paid to the antibiogram, which is performed by covering an area of ​​grown colonies with circles soaked in an antibacterial agent. If pathogenic microbes are sensitive to a particular antibiotic, colony growth is inhibited. In cases where colonies grow under antibacterial action, the drug is considered ineffective. Based on these results, the doctor prescribes antibiotic therapy to help cope with the disease.

Diagnostic results

What does a smear show? The flora of the mucous membrane consists of various microorganisms. A throat smear for microflora shows the number of pathogenic as well as opportunistic microbes. In a small number of pathogenic bacteria, they do not cause the development of the disease, as do opportunistic bacteria. However, when the body’s immune defense decreases against the background of severe general hypothermia, exacerbation of chronic pathology, a cold, or in the postoperative period, opportunistic bacilli begin to multiply intensively, provoking the development of the disease.

Normally, infections such as streptococcus, E. coli or Neisseria can be part of the flora. This is considered a variant of the norm if their number does not exceed the permissible norm, and there are no clinical signs of an infectious disease.

It is worth noting that you should not undertake their destruction, since after the end of taking antibacterial agents they will again populate part of the microflora of the mucous membranes.

When a doctor orders a test, he expects results to confirm the presence or absence of certain pathogens that may have caused the patient's symptoms.

The decoding of a throat smear includes the name of microorganisms, opposite which their number is indicated, which is expressed in special units. They became known as CFU/ml, which indicates the number of bacterial pathogens growing in one liter of nutrient medium. CFU is abbreviated as colony forming unit.

If the analysis showed a microbial content of ten to the fourth power, this refers to the normal variant. When the result exceeds this level, for example, is ten to the fifth power, then intensive microbial growth is confirmed. An imbalance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is dysbacteriosis, which leads to the development of disease.

If the analysis showed “confluent growth” of microorganisms, it is worth suspecting a large number of bacilli that form colonies when merging. The culture results also include an antibiogram. It lists antibacterial agents in the form of a plate. Next to each antibiotic there is a “+” sign:

one “+” indicates a low level of sensitivity of the pathogenic microbe to this type of antibacterial agent; two “+” indicates an average level; 3 “+” - high sensitivity.

If a pathogenic microorganism is not sensitive to a particular antibiotic, then a “tick” is placed opposite it. This means that the choice of this antibacterial drug is not advisable, since a therapeutic effect from its use will not be observed.

The analysis, or rather its results, are recorded on a special form. The type of microorganisms is indicated in Latin letters:

the result is considered negative when the throat swab does not have fungal and bacterial flora. In this case, the doctor should suspect a viral infectious pathology. a positive response indicates the presence of growth of pathogenic/opportunistic microbes that can cause an infectious-inflammatory process in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. When there is an increase in fungal flora, candidiasis develops in the oral cavity.

We emphasize that normally the microflora can consist of fungi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, diphthe-, bacteroides, actinomycetes, pseudomonads, non-pathogenic Neisseria, Escherichia coli, streptococci, meningococci, as well as epidermal staphylococcus.

As for pathogenic microorganisms, it is worth highlighting listeria, meningo-, pneumococcus, Loeffler's bacilli, hemolytic streptococcus, branchhamella, hemophilus influenzae, bordetella, Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungi.

A throat swab gives an idea of ​​the presence of pathogenic microbes that could cause the development of the disease. Based on the results of the study, the doctor determines which treatment will be most effective in this case.

A throat smear is a quick and painless procedure that provides significant assistance in diagnosing infectious diseases.

A swab from the throat is taken for a standard bacteriological study in order to study the microbial composition and quantitative ratio of the microflora of the nasopharynx. This is a laboratory diagnostic method that allows you to identify pathogens of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. To determine the etiology of the infection, it is necessary to conduct a bacteriological study of the discharge of the nose and pharynx for microflora.

Specialists refer patients with chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis and pharyngitis to a microbiological laboratory, where biomaterial is taken from the nose and pharynx with a sterile cotton swab and examined. Based on the results of the analysis, the specialist determines the causative agent of the pathology and its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Reasons and purposes of taking a smear for microflora from the throat and nose:

Diagnosis of sore throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus and leading to the development of severe complications - glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, myocarditis. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the nasopharynx, which provokes the formation of boils on the skin. Bacteriological seeding of clinical material for inflammation of the nasopharynx is carried out in order to exclude diphtheria infection. Suspicion of meningococcal or pertussis infection, as well as respiratory ailments. Diagnosis of stenosing laryngitis, mononucleosis, abscesses located near the tonsils includes a one-time analysis. Persons in contact with an infectious patient, as well as children entering kindergarten or school, undergo a preventive examination to identify bacterial carriage. A complete examination of pregnant women includes taking a swab from the throat for microflora. A swab from the throat and nose for staphylococcus is taken for preventive purposes by all medical workers, kindergarten teachers, cooks and grocery store clerks. A throat swab to determine the cellular composition of the discharge. The material to be studied is applied to a special glass slide. Under a microscope, a laboratory technician counts the number of eosinophils and other cells in the field of view. A study is being conducted to determine the allergic nature of the disease.

Patients are sent to the bacteriological laboratory to examine material from the nasopharynx in order to exclude or confirm a specific infection. The direction indicates the microorganism whose presence must be confirmed or refuted.

Microflora of the nasopharynx

The mucous membrane of the pharynx and nose is home to many microorganisms that make up the normal microflora of the nasopharynx. A study of the discharge of the throat and nose shows the qualitative and quantitative relationship of the microbes living in a given locus.

Types of microorganisms living on the nasopharyngeal mucosa in healthy people:

Bacteroides, Veillonella, Escherichia coli, Branhamella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus matans, Neisseria meningitides, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Viridans streptococcus, Non-pathogenic neisseria, Diphtheroids, Corynebacteria, Candida spp., Haemophilis spp., Actinomyces spp.

In case of pathology, the following microorganisms can be detected in a smear from the throat and nose:

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Pneumococcus, S. aureus, Corynobacter diphtheria, Haemophilis influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Candida albicans, Bordetella, Listeria, Branhamella catarrhalis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacteriaceae.

We recommend reading more about the staphylococcus found in the smear, its pathogenicity and staphylococcal infection at the link.

Preparing for analysis

In order for the analysis results to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to correctly select clinical material. To do this, you should prepare.

Two weeks before collecting the material, stop taking systemic antibiotics, and 5-7 days before, it is recommended to stop using antibacterial solutions, rinses, sprays and ointments for topical use. The test should be taken on an empty stomach. Before this, it is forbidden to brush your teeth, drink water and chew gum. Otherwise, the analysis result may be false.

A nasal swab for eosinophils is also taken on an empty stomach. If a person has eaten, he must wait at least two hours.

Taking material

To properly take material from the pharynx, patients tilt their heads back and open their mouths wide. Specially trained laboratory personnel press the tongue with a spatula and collect the pharyngeal secretions with a special instrument - a sterile cotton swab. Then he removes it from the mouth and puts it into a test tube. The test tube contains a special solution that prevents the death of microbes during transportation of the material. The test tube must be delivered to the laboratory within two hours from the moment the material is collected. Taking a throat swab is a painless but unpleasant procedure. Touching a cotton swab to the mucous membrane of the pharynx can provoke vomiting.

To take a nasal swab, you need to sit the patient opposite and tilt his head slightly back. Before the analysis, it is necessary to clear the nose of existing mucus. The skin of the nostrils is treated with 70% alcohol. A sterile swab is inserted alternately, first into one and then into the other nasal passage, turning the instrument and firmly touching its walls. The swab is quickly lowered into a test tube and the material is sent for microscopic and microbiological examination.

Microscopic examination

The material to be examined is applied to a glass slide, fixed in a burner flame, Gram stained, and examined under an oil immersion microscope. Gram-negative or gram-positive rods, cocci or coccobacilli are detected in the smear, and their morphological and tinctorial properties are studied.

Microscopic signs of bacteria are an important diagnostic guide. If the smear contains gram-positive cocci, located in clusters resembling bunches of grapes, it is assumed that the causative agent of the pathology is staphylococcus. If the cocci stain positive for Gram and are located in the smear in chains or pairs, it may be streptococci; gram-negative cocci - Neisseria; gram-negative rods with rounded ends and a light capsule - Klebsiella, small gram-negative rods - Escherichia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further microbiological examination is continued taking into account microscopic signs.

Inoculation of the test material

Each microorganism grows in its “native” environment, taking into account pH and humidity. Media can be differential diagnostic, selective, universal. Their main purpose is to provide nutrition, respiration, growth and reproduction of bacterial cells.

Inoculation of the test material must be carried out in a sterile box or laminar flow hood. The healthcare worker must wear sterile clothing, gloves, a mask and shoe covers. This is necessary to maintain sterility in the work area. In the box, you should work silently, carefully, ensuring personal safety, since any biological material is considered suspicious and obviously infectious.

A nasopharyngeal swab is inoculated onto nutrient media and incubated in a thermostat. After a few days, colonies of different shapes, sizes and colors grow on the media.

There are special nutrient media that are selective for a specific microorganism.

The main medium for germs of the throat and nose is blood agar. This is a highly sensitive medium containing nutrients for saprophytic and pathogenic bacteria. Pneumococci and Staphylococcus aureus produce hemolysins and cause hemolysis of red blood cells. The hemolytic activity of microbes is the main pathogenicity factor that most pathogenic bacteria possess. The growth pattern, color and zone of hemolysis differ among microbes of different genera and species. Sabouraud's medium or thioglycollate medium is universal and suitable for a wide range of microbes. Yolk-salt agar is an selective medium for growing staphylococci. Warmed Blood Agar - Chocolate Agar. This is a non-selective, enriched nutrient medium used for growing pathogenic bacteria. On this medium, gonococci, Haemophilus influenzae and pathogens of purulent bacterial meningitis grow. Endo medium is a differential diagnostic medium for the cultivation of enterobacteriaceae. Enterococcus is a nutrient medium for the isolation of enterococci.

The material is rubbed into the medium with a swab on a small area measuring 2 square meters. cm, and then using a bacteriological loop, streaks are scattered over the entire surface of the Petri dish. The crops are incubated in a thermostat at a certain temperature. The next day, the crops are examined, the number of colonies grown is taken into account and their nature is described. Individual colonies are reseeded on selective nutrient media to isolate and accumulate a pure culture. Microscopic examination of a pure culture makes it possible to determine the size and shape of the bacterium, the presence of a capsule, flagella, spores, and the relationship of the microbe to staining. The isolated microorganisms are identified to genus and species, and if necessary, phage typing and serotyping are carried out.

Research result

Microbiologists write out the results of the study on a special form. To decipher the result of a throat smear, indicator values ​​are required. The name of the microorganism consists of two Latin words denoting the genus and type of microbe. Next to the name, indicate the number of bacterial cells, expressed in special colony-forming units. After determining the concentration of the microorganism, they move on to designating its pathogenicity - “opportunistic flora”.

In healthy people, bacteria live on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and perform a protective function. They do not cause discomfort and do not cause inflammation. Under the influence of unfavorable endogenous and exogenous factors, the number of these microorganisms increases sharply, which leads to the development of pathology.

Normally, the content of saprophytic and opportunistic microbes in the nasopharynx should not exceed 103 - 104 CFU/ml, and pathogenic bacteria should be absent. Only a doctor with special skills and knowledge can determine the pathogenicity of a microbe and decipher the analysis. The doctor will determine the feasibility and necessity of prescribing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs to the patient.

After identifying the causative agent of the pathology and identifying it to genus and species, they proceed to determining its sensitivity to phages, antibiotics and antimicrobials. It is necessary to treat a disease of the throat or nose with the antibiotic to which the identified microbe is most sensitive.

throat swab test results

Options for the results of a throat smear examination:

A negative culture result for microflora means there are no causative agents of bacterial or fungal infection. In this case, the cause of the pathology is viruses, not bacteria or fungi. A positive culture result for microflora indicates a growth of pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria that can cause acute pharyngitis, diphtheria, whooping cough and other bacterial infections. With the growth of fungal flora, oral candidiasis develops, the causative agent of which is biological agents of the 3rd pathogenicity group - yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida.

Microbiological examination of the throat and nose flora makes it possible to determine the type of microbes and their quantitative ratio. All pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms are subject to complete identification. The result of laboratory diagnostics allows the doctor to correctly prescribe treatment.

Video: about a smear and staphylococcus in it, Dr. Komarovsky

A throat swab is considered a common diagnostic test that is performed when inflammation and infections occur. Thanks to the procedure, it is possible to identify the causative agent of the disease. The material also helps to exclude diphtheria and other dangerous pathologies.

Throat swab - what is it?

A throat swab is performed to determine the dominant microorganisms in the area. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to determine the presence, types and quantity of microbes located in the studied area. This allows you to make an accurate diagnosis and select adequate treatment.

Indications

This study is performed in the following situations:

Preventive examination before hiring. Usually a smear is needed if a person plans to work with food, children, the sick, etc. Examination of pregnant women. This helps prevent the development and activity of bacteria that pose a danger to the baby. Examination of children who are going to enter preschool institutions. This helps prevent outbreaks of the disease in children's groups. Diagnosis before hospitalization or in preparation for surgery. In such a situation, the doctor must make sure that there are no microorganisms that could aggravate the course of the postoperative period. Examination of people who have had contact with infectious patients. This will help prevent the subsequent spread of the disease. A study to accurately determine the causative agent of ENT pathologies. The procedure also helps to establish the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs. Detection of tonsillitis, diphtheria, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media and other pathologies.

Summarizing the information, we can conclude that a smear for flora examination is required in 2 cases - to determine the carriage of pathogenic microorganisms and to detect the causative agent of a certain disease.

Why do they take a smear for flora, says the doctor:

What tests are taken, what can be determined

To take a throat swab, the specialist asks the person to open their mouth and tilt their head back slightly. He then gently presses the tongue with a flat tool. After which, a sterile swab is applied to the mucous membranes of the tonsils and throat.

The procedure does not cause pain, but may cause discomfort. Touching the throat and tonsils with a tampon often provokes a gag reflex.

After collecting the mucus, the specialist places it in a nutrient medium. It prevents the death of microorganisms until studies are carried out that help determine their type.

Subsequently, mucus particles are sent for special studies. One of the main methods is considered to be a rapid antigen hemotest. This system quickly responds to microbial particles of a certain type.

This test helps detect beta-hemolytic streptococcus category A. The results of this test can be obtained in 5-40 minutes. Typically, antigen tests have high sensitivity.

Sowing involves placing mucus particles from the throat in a special environment, which leads to the active proliferation of microbes. Thanks to this, the doctor can identify microorganisms inhabiting the mucous membrane. This makes it possible to identify the sensitivity of bacteria to antibacterial agents. This is especially important if standard therapy does not produce results.

PCR analysis helps determine the types of microbes that inhabit the throat. This is done through DNA elements present in the mucus.

How to take a throat swab correctly

How to prepare

In order for the results to be as reliable as possible, it is very important to adhere to certain recommendations. Before taking the analysis you must:

Avoid using mouth rinses that contain antiseptic ingredients 2-3 days before the procedure. Avoid the use of sprays and ointments that contain antibacterial and antimicrobial substances several days before the procedure. Avoid consuming food or drinks 2-3 hours before the test. It is best to take the test on an empty stomach. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable not to brush your teeth or at least several hours before the examination not to chew gum.

gargles for throat

and nose eliminate most of the microorganisms that are on the mucous membranes. As a result, the analysis will give unreliable results.

After eating or using toothpaste, some of the bacterial microorganisms are washed off, which also negatively affects the result.

Decoding

To evaluate the data obtained as a result of the analysis, you need to know the reasons for its implementation. Most often, the mixed microflora that is present in the smear of healthy people includes a small number of harmful microorganisms - streptococci, staphylococci, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, veillonella, enterococci, etc.

This phenomenon is considered normal if there are few harmful bacteria and they do not cause harm to health. It is not possible to eliminate all microorganisms. A short time after completion of the course of therapy, bacteria reappear on the mucous membrane.

The interpretation of the results depends on the reason for the study. Particular attention is paid to the number of microorganisms that could provoke an illness that worries a person. If the volume of bacteria is no more than 10 to the third or fourth power, the microflora is normal. If the indicator is more than 10 to the fifth power, one can judge the increased development of opportunistic microorganisms.

How to identify streptococcus in the throat

What indicators are the most dangerous?

Harmful microorganisms that can be identified by performing a throat swab include the following:

beta-hemolytic streptococcus, part of group A; causative agent of diphtheria; fungi; causative agent of whooping cough.

Most pathologies of the ENT organs are caused by increased activity of streptococci. It is these microorganisms that are identified when tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or pneumonia are suspected. In order to exclude

, during the study, the level of leukocytes and eosinophils is determined.

How to distinguish the herpes virus from a streptococcal infection, says Dr. Komarovsky:

Features of treatment to eliminate pathogenic microflora

After identifying the causative agent of the disease, its sensitivity to antibacterial and antimicrobial agents is assessed. The disease must be treated with an antibiotic to which the identified microorganisms are sensitive.

Any pathologies of the ENT organs should be treated under the guidance of an otolaryngologist. Often, inflammatory processes can be stopped using bacteriophages, which are produced in the form of a solution or spray. These include, in particular, chlorophyllipt.

Quite often, folk recipes help to cope with anaerobic bacteria. The composition of medicinal mixtures should include components such as mint, rose hips, and hawthorn. This method of therapy is considered absolutely safe. The first results are achieved within a few days. However, the total duration of therapy should be at least 3 weeks.

How not to infect others

To prevent infection of others, you need to follow these recommendations:

wash your hands more often; use personal hygiene products and utensils; disinfect the house - wipe door handles, switches, etc.

A throat smear can be considered an informative test that helps identify pathogenic microorganisms and determine their sensitivity to drugs. It is very important to carefully prepare for the procedure in order to obtain objective results.

Source: http://first-doctor.ru/chto-pokazyvaet-bak-posev-iz-gorla/

Analysis for staphylococcus. How to take a throat swab for staphylococcus?

Today we are going to find out how the test for staphylococcus is performed. How do they take it? What does that require? What should every patient know about proper preparation for the process? Only a correctly performed analysis procedure will give the most accurate result. Therefore, you will have to pay attention to numerous features. Let's figure out which ones exactly.

Why is the procedure performed?

First, it’s worth understanding why people take a smear for staphylococcus from citizens. After all, not every person encounters this process. There are several reasons why this analysis might be performed.

Today, a smear for the presence of staphylococcus is taken:

  1. If you suspect the presence of dangerous microorganisms in the patient, for example Staphylococcus aureus. It lives on the mucous membrane of the throat and nose, provokes inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes.
  2. If a person gets a sore throat. In this case, a throat swab is taken to look for staphylococci or streptococci that can affect various body systems. This is how we look for the cause of a sore throat.

In fact, preparing the patient and performing the procedure does not require much time and effort. But what is a staphylococcus smear anyway? What kind of analysis is this?

What is a staphylococcus test?

If you suspect the presence of staphylococcus or any diseases with similar symptoms, a special smear is taken. It helps the doctor determine what pathogenic microorganisms the patient has and what exactly caused a particular disease.

Most often, a smear from certain organs is presented in the form of a test for staphylococcus. More precisely, it is taken from:

The microflora of these areas is approximately the same. Based on the results of the appropriate analysis, it will be possible to say exactly what microorganisms a person has.

What are the tests?

But that is not all. In modern medicine, there is a huge number of different studies to test for certain diseases. Some patients are interested in what tests for staphylococcus exist in principle. There are several of them:

  • microflora smear;
  • bacterial culture;
  • urine test;
  • blood analysis.

But most often in practice it is the smear that is used. It is very informative and allows you to quickly determine the presence of staphylococcus in the body. But this scenario is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you can donate blood for staphylococcus. This is the most gentle procedure that is suitable for both children and adults.

Preparing the body

An analysis for staphylococcus (smear) is performed according to a specific method. But first, the patient must be properly prepared for the process described.

Proper preparation of the pharynx, nose and tonsils is as follows:

  1. Before the procedure, the patient will have to give up throat sprays and rinses, as well as nasal ointments with antibiotics and substances that have an antimicrobial effect. It is recommended to discontinue the use of these components several days before the analysis.
  2. Before taking a smear, it is not recommended to brush your teeth, eat or drink. This is especially true for taking a swab from the throat or tonsils. It is not necessary to follow this advice when examining nasal microflora.

This is all that every patient should know about how to prepare for a staphylococcus smear to be taken. If we are talking about donating blood, you just need to give up bad habits and allergens a few days before the procedure, and also come to the laboratory no earlier than 8 hours after eating. Blood tests are taken on an empty stomach, that’s all. Everyone should remember this.

Carrying out the procedure

How is a staphylococcus test taken? It all depends on what kind of research we are talking about. It is the brushstroke that attracts attention. Not everyone understands how this procedure is carried out, what to prepare for and what to expect.

To begin, the patient must sit down, throw back his head and open his mouth wide. Next, the patient’s tongue is pressed down using a special device made of wood or metal.

Once this stage is passed, the doctor takes a cotton swab and runs it along the mucous membrane of the throat and tonsils. This is all. Next, the stick is placed in a special container, after which it is sent to the laboratory for further research.

Nothing difficult or special, but the procedure is not very pleasant. It does not cause any pain, but it can cause a gag reflex, so a throat swab is not recommended for people with hypersensitivity and a strong gag reflex.

If we are talking about analysis taken from the nose, everything is much simpler. It is enough to ask the patient to throw back his head, insert a cotton swab into his nose, then apply it to the nasal walls from the inside. A little unpleasant, but no gag reflex.

Blood analysis

But this is not the only test for staphylococcus. How is blood taken to look for the specified bacteria in the body? Everything is extremely simple. But this procedure is not very suitable for children, especially small ones.

The fact is that blood is donated from a vein to search for staphylococcus. But from young children, biomaterial is usually taken from the finger. It is advisable not to feed the child before the procedure.

The same goes for adults. As already mentioned, when donating blood from a vein, you must refrain from eating, since the most accurate result is possible only when the procedure is performed on an empty stomach.

The doctor is looking for a thick vein in the elbow. Then the patient's hand is placed on a special pad with the inside facing up. A special tourniquet is tightened on the forearm, after which the doctor asks you to “work with your fist” or tense your arm. Due to tension, the desired vein becomes clearly visible and can be easily palpated.

A special needle with a blood receiver is inserted into it. After the required amount of blood has collected, the needle is removed and a cotton pad is pressed to the injection site. Most often it is secured with a bandage for reliability. This is how the test for staphylococcus is carried out.

Another quite informative technique is giving urine to look for staphylococcus in the body. This test usually replaces a urethral smear. It is carried out without any special manipulations, but with preliminary preparation.

To get your urine tested, you just need to go on an 8-hour fast, and also abstain from taking medications and abstain from smoking and alcohol. The patient collects morning (first) urine in a small sterile container, and then takes it to the laboratory for further testing.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the collected biological material is valid only for 2 hours. Therefore, it is necessary to take him to a medical facility as soon as possible.

Where to contact

Where can I get tested for staphylococcus? Today, every patient has the right to choose where to seek appropriate help. For example, you can go:

  1. To a public clinic/hospital. A test for staphylococcus is usually performed after a referral by a physician. Free, but long.
  2. To a private medical institution (clinic, laboratory). Taking blood, urine or performing a smear is carried out at the personal request of the patient. You will have to pay, but the result will be known as soon as possible.
  3. To the maternity hospital. In maternity hospitals, quite often all women and newborn children have to donate blood for various tests. Sometimes those present are tested for staphylococcus.

Most often, the choice is made between a public clinic and a private center. In the second case, the list of tests to check for staphylococcus may be more varied than in the first. Everyone chooses for themselves what kind of help they want and where to go.

How much is done

How long does it take to test for staphylococcus? This question also interests many. After all, the sooner the research results are ready, the sooner treatment can begin.

As a rule, a smear/bacterial culture will be ready within 5 days from the date of submission of the corresponding biomaterial. And blood/urine allows you to find out about the presence of staphylococcus within 2-3 days. In private clinics, in some cases you can see the results the very next day.

Results

Now it’s clear what a test for staphylococcus can be. How they take it is also no longer a mystery. There is nothing difficult or special about the procedure. As already mentioned, not everyone can take a swab from the throat or tonsils due to a strong gag reflex.

Fortunately, in modern medicine you can always find alternative methods of action. For example, donate blood or urine for further research. This diagnosis is not the most accurate, but it does not cause discomfort.

Source: http://www.syl.ru/article/282527/new_analiz-na-stafilokokk-kak-berut-mazok-iz-zeva-na-stafilokokk

Why do they take a swab from the nose and throat?

If a person is diagnosed with mild inflammation, the doctor may not take a nasopharyngeal swab. In advanced cases, collection of material is required to determine the etiology of the infection.

Analysis of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract - what is it and why is it needed?

A nasal and throat swab is a type of laboratory test. A bacteriological analysis is taken to identify the bacteria that caused the infectious process.

Culture for bacteria is carried out in the following cases:

  • Suspicion of nasal diphtheria (cultures are taken in the morning for three days).
  • The presence of sore throat with plaque (the analysis is taken once).
  • Diagnosed stenosing laryngotracheitis, mononucleosis due to infection, purulent formation near the tonsils (single smear).
  • Upon contact with an infectious patient.
  • Upon admission to kindergarten or general education institution.
  • For tuberculosis and the presence of lesions of the nervous system.

    • There are indications for studying material taken from the throat and nose. If you have a frequent runny nose or sore throat, a swab of the nasal passages and throat is always prescribed. This type of analysis allows a specialist to determine the type of microbes and bacteria inhabiting the human nasopharynx. If the DNA of the pathogen is identified correctly, then treatment will be prescribed adequately.

    Taking a smear is necessary if there is a suspicion of pathological processes caused by infection. For example, diphtheria or whooping cough. For a sore throat, a smear is taken from the back wall of the throat and tonsils.

    The analysis is carried out to determine the sensitivity of organisms to antibiotics.

    Getting ready to collect material

    To obtain the correct indicators after taking a swab from the throat for microflora, you need to avoid the use of solutions and nasal ointments containing antibiotics several days before collecting the material. The use of medications before the test may affect the reliability of the results. On the day of the test, it is not recommended to brush your teeth or eat.

    Before taking a nasal test for pathogenic flora, you must stop taking antibiotics two weeks before the procedure.

    To take a smear, a specialist treats the skin of the nasal sinuses with alcohol (70%). For the procedure you will need one sterile swab. It is inserted first into one nostril 1 cm, then into the other, while turning the instrument.

    How to take a nasopharyngeal swab

    A gauze roll is screwed onto a light metal stick, then lowered into the flask. The swab for collecting material must be sterile.

    A nasal swab for eosinophils is done on an empty stomach. If a person does eat, at least two hours should pass after eating. After eating, the material is removed using a spatula, which will cover the area in contact with food (teeth, tongue, inside of the mouth).

    Before taking a nasal swab, you need to blow your nose and remove any rough crusts. The tampon is inserted into each sinus, while tightly touching all its walls.

    The resulting material should be immediately sown onto a dense surface and applied to a glass square. The specialist dries the analysis, then sends it to the laboratory for study.

    The procedure does not cause pain, but is quite unpleasant, because touching the sensitive areas of the throat with a tampon often provokes vomiting.

    What can be found when examining a nasopharyngeal smear

    Materials obtained from the nose and throat are sent to several studies:

    1. Rapid antigen test (sensitive to bacterial particles). Used when group A streptococcus is suspected. Considered an accurate and sensitive test. Test results are ready in 30 minutes.
    1. Sowing. In this study, mucus particles are transferred to a nutrient medium, which promotes the growth of bacteria. The test shows the type of foreign microbe. Also determines sensitivity to antibiotics. This point is important if there is no effect from standard treatment.
    1. PCR analysis. Allows you to find out the types of microorganisms that have colonized the throat and nose. This is detected using the DNA present in the mucus.

    Organisms found in throat and nasal swabs include:

    • Hemolytic streptococci;
    • Pneumococci;
    • Staphylococcus aureus;
    • Corynobacter diphtheria;
    • Haemophilus influenzae;
    • Meningococcus;
    • Listeria.

    In almost all cases, it is impossible to detect the disease unless you take a smear of the flora from the nose and throat. The quantitative ratio of microorganisms means that the tests are normal.

    If, as a result of the study, pathogenic microbial agents are detected, this signals the development of infectious inflammation. Based on the results of the analysis and the nature of the disease, the doctor may additionally prescribe a smear from the genitals and ureter.

    Treatment to eliminate pathogens from the nose and throat

    Nasal infections and throat diseases are recommended to be treated under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. Only he can prescribe adequate treatment.

    Often, discomfort in the nasopharynx is relieved with the help of bacteriophages produced in the form of a spray or solution, for example, Chlorophyllipt.

    Chlorophyllipt also exists on an oil and alcohol basis. The oil version of the drug is intended to lubricate the sinuses and tonsils. It is good because it can be used by small children and women in an interesting position. The alcohol composition is used to wash the throat and nose.

    Herbal medicine is considered an effective way to eliminate discomfort in the nose and throat. This technique is allowed during pregnancy as it is a natural and safe treatment. The first results are usually felt a few days after starting to take the herbal mixture. Since anaerobic infections in the nasopharynx are persistent, treatment with herbal medicine should last at least three weeks.

    In order to correctly collect samples from the upper respiratory tract, you need to follow the preparation rules, then there will be no difficulties in treating the identified disease. Any discomfort in the nasopharynx cannot be ignored, since even a banal runny nose can turn into a serious pathological process, the consequences of which can be sad.

    It is not recommended to prescribe medications for yourself and your children, for example, for a runny nose, because not all medications for clearing the nasal mucosa are suitable for every person.

    Author: Elena Svet, neurosurgeon,

    especially for Moylor.ru

    Useful video on the topic of whether staphylococcus in the nose is dangerous during pregnancy

    Article rating

    good afternoon! please help me decipher the analysis.. there is a constant lump in the norm.. so I went to take the analysis

    2-4 - normal flora.

    PARAMETERS OF NORMOCENOSIS OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF THE OROPHARYNX (CFU/tampon):

    Streptococcus spp. (alpha-, gamma-hemolytic) - 10^6-10^9

    Neisseria spp. (saprophytic species) - 10^5-10^8

    Staphylococcus spp. (coagulase-negative species) - up to 10^4

    Corynebacterium spp. (non-pathogenic species) - up to 10^4

    Lactobacillus spp. — 10^4-10^7

    Opportunistic flora - up to 10^3

    Transitory flora - up to 10^2

    Pathogenic flora - 0

    Good afternoon Staphylococcus was found from the nose 3.5 x 10 square, from the throat 2 x 10 square. What to do, how to treat an 18 year old child? Nothing bothers me, completely healthy.

    Hello, I took a throat smear, the results came back, I read a lot on the Internet and it became scary.

    Source: http://moylor.ru/nos/zachem-berut-mazok-iz-nosa-i-zeva/