Throat swab - laboratory analysis, during which the state of the microflora is examined oral cavity and nose. The study helps to identify infectious and viral pathogenic microflora, pathogens various diseases nasopharynx. The results of the analysis help to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Bacterial culture from the nasopharynx is carried out in the following cases:

• sore throat caused by streptococcus, with a high risk of complications;
• suspicion of Staphylococcus aureus;
• inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx;
• whooping cough;
• meningitis;
• laryngitis, abscesses;
• mononucleosis;
• respiratory diseases;
• tuberculosis;
• diseases of the central nervous system.

A microflora smear is required to be taken from children as part of the preparatory diagnostic program upon admission to kindergarten, school. The test is indicated for pregnant women, especially testing for mycoplasma, which can develop rapidly during pregnancy and cause a number of complications.

Nasopharyngeal bacterial culture is regularly carried out for persons who are constantly in contact with a large number of strangers, who are hypothetically carriers of pathogenic microflora. This applies to kindergarten teachers, teachers, medical workers, cooks and other catering staff.

Bacteriological culture from the throat can determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibiotics. Analysis data is needed for appointment effective treatment. A culture from the nasopharynx is taken when a person develops frequent runny noses.

Preparing for the test

The study of nasopharyngeal microorganisms will show a reliable result only if biological material is submitted correctly and the patient is prepared for the collection of biological material:

1. 1 week before taking a bacteriological culture, the use of antibacterial solutions that will destroy pathogenic microflora and have negative impact for beneficial microorganisms.
2. It is prohibited to use any solutions for rinsing the mouth, nasal sprays, or topical drugs.
3. A swab is taken for analysis strictly on an empty stomach. In order for the analysis to show a reliable result, in the morning it is strictly forbidden to eat or drink anything, brush your teeth, and chew gum. The use of plain water is also excluded.
4. If there is mucus in the nose, it must be removed before taking a sample of biological material. Crusts on the nasal mucosa are removed by softening them with a special solution. The presence of mucus can negatively affect the veracity and information content of the analysis.

Carrying out the procedure

Taking a smear for testing bacteriological analysis carried out in a laboratory:

1. The patient sits on a couch or chair.
2. To directly collect a swab from the oral cavity, the patient opens his mouth wide.
3. The medical worker uses a special spatula to press the tongue to the lower jaw. Takes a microflora sample with a cotton swab.
4. The swab is immediately placed in a sterile tube, which is tightly closed with a lid.

The throat swab procedure does not cause painful sensations, but can provoke a gag reflex. To minimize the process of reverse peristalsis, a person needs to properly prepare for the procedure - do not eat or drink anything.

A sample of biological material is taken from the nose as follows: the patient sits on the couch and tilts his head back. The skin of the nostrils is disinfected before the procedure. medical alcohol. First, the laboratory assistant inserts a cotton swab into one nostril and rolls it over the surface of the mucous membranes. The procedure is then repeated with another sterile cotton swab from the next nostril.

In a child, the procedure for taking biological material is carried out according to the same algorithm as in an adult patient.

How long should I wait for results?

The time required to analyze biological material takes from 5 to 10 minutes. Bacteriological culture of microflora from the nasopharynx is carried out using an antigen test that has high sensitivity. Each test is responsible for identifying one type of pathogenic microflora.

What indicators should be normal?

A bacteriological analysis of the flora in a healthy person will show the presence of beneficial microorganisms that perform protective functions, preventing pathogens from penetrating the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx.

If the analysis is carried out correctly, a small concentration of opportunistic microflora is determined in the throat of a healthy person. Its values ​​should not exceed the result from 103 to 104 CFU/ml.

If the analysis shows an excess of the permissible number of opportunistic microorganisms, this indicates the presence of microflora in the person’s nasopharynx, which is the cause of the development.

Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus aureus, the norm of which should not exceed 104 CFU/ml, is an opportunistic microorganism. This means that it is contained in minimal quantities on the nasopharyngeal mucosa and does not provoke the development of any diseases of the ENT system.

Exceeding the norm indicates infection with staphylococcus, which is the cause of the development of the following diseases:

• sore throat and pharyngitis;
• stomatitis, tonsillitis;
• sinusitis;
• gingivitis.

Active growth of staphylococcus is associated with a decrease protective functions immunity. Children and elderly people are at risk. Treatment is carried out with antibacterial spectrum drugs.

Streptococcus

Streptococcus is an opportunistic microorganism. It is found in minimal quantities on the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. It is a provocateur of sore throat and scarlet fever. The presence of an increased concentration of pathogenic microflora in the nose can cause the development of bacterial sinusitis.

The development of an infectious process in the nasopharynx is indicated by a streptococcus indicator of 105 CFU/ml. The diagnosis is made by the presence of a specific symptomatic picture in a person.

Candida fungi

Determination of a concentration of Candida fungus in the throat of 105 CFU/ml or more indicates that the patient is infected with candidiasis. The disease develops quickly, has a pronounced and intense symptomatic picture, and can provoke the development of complications in the respiratory system. The norm is complete absence fungus in a throat swab or maximum permissible quantity not higher than 104 CFU/ml.

Neisseria, or Escherichia coli, like pneumococcus, is contained in small quantities in a smear from the nasopharyngeal mucosa.

Pneumococcus is the cause of the following diseases:

• pneumonia;
• bronchitis;
• sepsis of the respiratory system;
• laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis;
• otitis media;
• osteomyelitis.

Excessive concentrations of Neisseria and pneumococcus are caused by a number of different infectious and inflammatory diseases organs of the respiratory system.

Depending on the amount of pathogenic microflora in the nasopharyngeal smear, appropriate treatment or preventive measures are prescribed to reduce the concentration of the pathogen and reduce the risk of developing diseases. Therapy consists of the use of antibacterial spectrum drugs.

What indicators are dangerous

Decoding the results bacteriological culture indicates the exact amount of pathogenic microflora on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. The presence of a pathogenic microorganism may be within normal limits (from 101 to 104 CFU/ml).

The following indicators are alarming and are a sign of the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx:

1. 103-104 - the concentration of pathogenic pathogens is within normal limits, the likelihood of developing diseases in the absence of provoking factors is minimal.
2. 105-107 - the content of pathogenic microorganisms is high. The likelihood of developing diseases is maximum. Immediate action required preventive measures on prevention of development.
3. Drain result - this indicator refers to an extremely high content of pathogenic microorganisms, the number of which cannot be counted.

When a confluent result is obtained, urgent antibacterial therapy is prescribed, aimed at destroying pathogenic microflora. If a person has specific signs, indicating inflammatory processes occurring in the nasopharynx, symptomatic therapy is carried out simultaneously with antibacterial treatment.

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough, should be absent from a nasopharyngeal swab of a healthy person. Decoding the analysis for bacterial culture of flora from the throat has 2 interpretations of the result:

• positive - bacteria is present;
• negative - the pathogen has not been identified.

If the result is positive, the number of pathogenic organisms is determined. Based on the concentration of bacteria, a conclusion is made about the stage of development of the disease.

The causative agent of diphtheria

In normal health, the pathogen that causes diphtheria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, should be absent. If the patient does not comply with the rules for preparing for the collection of biological material, false positive result. If the analysis shows the presence of a pathogenic bacterium, but the corresponding symptomatic picture is absent, the throat culture test is repeated.

The presence of a high content of hemolytic streptococcus always indicates high risks development of sore throat with complications - pharyngitis. Antibacterial therapy to reduce the number of hemolytic streptococci is not carried out, since the pathogen can reduce the concentration of beneficial protective microflora, which will lead to a weakening of local immunity. Antibiotics are used only when pharyngitis develops.

The peculiarity of hemolytic streptococcus is that this type of pathogenic microflora provokes the development of sore throat, which is almost always without timely treatment gives complications to the heart muscle. If a person suddenly has a sore throat and other signs of pharyngitis appear, a bacteriological culture to determine the type of pathogenic microflora must be taken immediately.

Fungi Candida albicans

Candida fungi in a minimal amount, not exceeding 104 CFU/ml, are always present on the mucous membrane of the human nasopharynx and are not a pathology. Exceeding the norm, even in the absence of characteristic corresponding symptoms, is a reason for prompt antibacterial therapy.

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.

TEST: Find out what's wrong with your throat

Have you ever had elevated temperature body on the first day of illness (on the first day of symptoms)?

In connection with a sore throat you:

How often for Lately(6-12 months) Are you experiencing similar symptoms (sore throat)?

Feel the neck area just below lower jaw. Your feelings:

At sharp increase temperature you consumed antipyretic drug(Ibuprofen, Paracetamol). After that:

What sensations do you experience when you open your mouth?

How would you rate the effect of throat lozenges and other topical painkillers (candies, sprays, etc.)?

Ask someone close to you to look down your throat. To do this, rinse your mouth clean water for 1-2 minutes, open your mouth wide. Your assistant should shine a flashlight on himself and look into the oral cavity by pressing the root of the tongue with a spoon.

On the first day of illness, you clearly feel an unpleasant putrid bite in your mouth and your loved ones can confirm the presence unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.

Can you say that in addition to a sore throat, you are bothered by a cough (more than 5 attacks per day)?

Why is smear diagnostics performed?

• confirmation infectious origin tonsillitis, sinusitis, meningitis, whooping cough and other diseases;
• search for Staphylococcus aureus, which is the cause of purulent lesions 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 testing to determine their risk of developing infectious disease, as well as the occurrence of complications from 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 reproduction to resume pathogenic microbes;
• 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 their reproduction.

The material is sown in sterile laboratory conditions in compliance with aseptic rules. Medical staff should not forget about protective equipment, as 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.

Special attention is given an 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, with a decrease immune defense body against the background of severe general hypothermia, exacerbation chronic pathology, colds or in 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 permissible norm, and also missing Clinical signs 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. Abbreviated as CFU called a 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 a given level, for example, is ten to the fifth power, then it is confirmed intensive growth microbes 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 low level 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 choosing this antibacterial drug not advisable because therapeutic effect there will be no effects from its use.

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, coli, strepto-, meningococci, as well as epidermal staphylococcus.

As for pathogenic microorganisms, it is worth highlighting listeria, meningitis, pneumococcus, Loeffler's bacilli, hemolytic streptococcus, branhamella, Haemophilus 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 quick and painless procedure that provides significant assistance in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Throat swab is considered common diagnostic study, which is carried out 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:

1. Preventive examination before hiring. Usually a smear is needed if a person plans to work with food, children, the sick, etc.
2. Examination of pregnant women. This helps prevent the development and activity of bacteria that pose a danger to the baby.
3. Examination of children who are going to enter preschool institutions. This helps prevent outbreaks of the disease in children's groups.
4. Diagnosis before hospitalization or in preparation for surgical intervention. In such a situation, the doctor must make sure that there are no microorganisms that could aggravate the course of the postoperative period.
5. Examination of people who have had contact with infectious patients. This will help prevent the subsequent spread of the disease.
6. Research for precise definition causative agent of pathologies of the ENT organs. The procedure also helps to establish the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
7. Detection of diphtheria, scarlet fever, sinusitis, 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 call pain, however, it can 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 reacts 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. 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:

1. Avoid using mouth rinses that contain antiseptic ingredients 2-3 days before the procedure.
2. Avoid the use of sprays and ointments that contain antibacterial and antimicrobial substances several days before the procedure.
3. Avoid consuming food or drinks 2-3 hours before the test. It is best to take the test on an empty stomach.
4. 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.

Quite often they help to cope with anaerobic bacteria. The composition of medicinal mixtures should include components such as mint, rose hips, and hawthorn. This method 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 individual means hygiene and utensils;
• disinfect the house - wipe door handles, switches, etc.

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

Throat culture is necessary to medical specialists were able to determine which microbes are on the mucous membrane. This analysis technique is used for the nose and throat to detect the presence of fungal and bacterial infections. As soon as a smear is taken from a child or adult and passed into the throat with a sterile spatula, samples of the resulting tissue are placed in a nutrient medium where bacteria that cause fungal and infectious diseases can multiply. If during the study an increase in the number of bacteria is detected, experts note in the study results that the tank culture is positive. When there is no growth of harmful microorganisms, it is negative. Nasal cultures are also examined in a similar manner.

No special preparation is needed before conducting this type of study, but there are several simple rules, which must be observed by adults and children, otherwise the tank seeding will show unreliable results, and a dangerous fungal or infectious disease will not be detected. 2 hours before tissue samples are taken for analysis, you must not:

• Eating;
• drink any liquid;
• brush your teeth.

It is necessary to identify diseases in a timely manner and take all necessary measures. It is imperative to clear the nasal passages of mucus accumulations. If a person uses sprays or any medicinal or herbal remedies for gargling, the procedures are stopped several days before the test.

A patient usually receives a referral for throat culture if there is a suspicion that he has:

• boils;
• tonsillitis;
• tonsillitis.

For children this analysis can also be prescribed for preventive purposes for the timely detection of infectious and fungal diseases that can cause serious complications at work of cardio-vascular system, joints, kidneys.

The transcript of the analysis contains data on pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms found in humans. The microorganism staphylococcus is one of the most frequently isolated elements during the study. In the normal microflora of the pharynx, staphylococcus may be present and not cause harm to humans.

The epidermidis indicator means that this microorganism is epidermal, and this is already a reason to start sounding the alarm. There are 3 most dangerous species staphylococcus, which includes epidermal. The microorganism takes root in people with weakened immune systems and is the root cause of infectious diseases of the nasopharynx, ear canal, and diseases developing on a smooth area of ​​the skin.

For a healthy person, the microbe is safe, but as soon as the immune system weakens, infectious diseases immediately spread internal organs. This type Staphylococcus is resistant to antibiotics, which makes treatment much more difficult. The first step in the fight against it is measures to strengthen the body, whose immunity it weakens.

Proper nutrition, taking vitamins, and maintaining good personal hygiene will help resist this microbe. An important point in the analysis when detecting staphylococcus that has become a pathogenic form is determining the sensitivity of this microbe to medications. Its results are considered the basis for the doctor to select the most effective strategy and methods of therapy.

Often, to determine a particular throat infection, some tests are required. But some patients do not know at all how to prepare for the procedure of taking a smear from the throat.

A nasal or throat swab is a test that helps doctors detect infection.

This analysis is carried out in the following cases:

To determine the root cause of tonsillitis or pharyngitis. A throat swab is often prescribed by specialists to identify streptococcus, which provokes a sore throat;

To find out if there are different colonies of bacteria in your throat or nose that may cause serious illnesses throat. For example, a throat swab may be prescribed for people who have frequent boils caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

A throat swab can be taken as follows: the nurse asks you to open your mouth and tilt your head back slightly. Next, you need to lightly press the person’s tongue with a special plate made of metal and run it over the tonsils and throat with a sterile swab.

Do not be afraid of this procedure, as it is completely painless. The only negative factor here is that touching the tonsils can cause a gag reflex. Therefore, you should not eat heavily before the procedure.

Antigen testing is a special system that reacts to microbes. A similar analysis is carried out in order to identify streptococcus, which can easily cause some complications in adolescents.

Test tubes with biomaterials should be stored in the refrigerator. If it is not possible to deliver them directly to the laboratory, then the analysis must be placed in a preservative. Once they are delivered to the laboratory, a culture must be done. It is important to follow all the rules for submitting bacteriological cultures. If you were not able to carefully prepare for the procedure, the result will be incorrect. Then you'll need another one reanalysis. Once the result is ready, you should contact your doctor at district clinic or make an appointment at a private clinic.

How to prepare for a throat swab test

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.

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.

This study is performed in the following situations:

1. Preventive examination before hiring. Usually a smear is needed if a person plans to work with food, children, the sick, etc.
2. Examination of pregnant women. This helps prevent the development and activity of bacteria that pose a danger to the baby.
3. Examination of children who are going to enter preschool institutions. This helps prevent outbreaks of the disease in children's groups.
4. 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.
5. Examination of people who have had contact with infectious patients. This will help prevent the subsequent spread of the disease.
6. A study to accurately determine the causative agent of ENT pathologies. The procedure also helps to establish the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to drugs.
7. 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:

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

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:

1. Avoid using mouth rinses that contain antiseptic ingredients 2-3 days before the procedure.
2. Avoid the use of sprays and ointments that contain antibacterial and antimicrobial substances several days before the procedure.
3. Avoid consuming food or drinks 2-3 hours before the test. It is best to take the test on an empty stomach.
4. 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.

Solutions for

rinsing

throat medications

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.

To evaluate the data obtained as a result of the analysis, you need to know the reasons for its implementation. Most often, mixed microflora, which is present in the smear 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. Through 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

TO harmful microorganisms that can be detected 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 streptococci. It is these microorganisms that are identified when tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or pneumonia are suspected. In order to exclude

allergic factor

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

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

After identifying the causative agent of the disease, its sensitivity to antibacterial and antimicrobial agents. 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 they help to cope with anaerobic bacteria folk recipes. 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.

Description

Determination method bacteriological, bacterioscopic

Material under study Pharynx, nose, sinuses

Attention! The cost of the study is indicated for one localization.

Microbial characteristics of infection and rationale for the choice of antibiotics.

Damage to the nose (rhinitis, sinusitis), the mucous membrane of the pharynx (pharyngitis) is often caused by bacterial infection: streptococcus, pneumococcus, staphylococcus (rhinitis), hemolytic streptococcus (pharyngitis).

Diagnostics and rational therapy is based on identifying the pathogen and determining its sensitivity to antibiotics. This prevents the transition of an acute process to a chronic one.

Isolated pathogens: the main pathogens detected in this test are opportunistic microorganisms: S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pyogenes, S. aureus, less commonly gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family and fungi of the genus Candida. Representatives normal flora viridans streptococci (S. viridans group), staphylococci (S. epidermidis), non-pathogenic neisseria (Neisseria sp.), non-pathogenic diphtheroids (Corynebacterium sp.), Candida sp. and some others.

We draw attention to the need to purchase the transport medium used for taking smears, which must be purchased in advance at any INVITRO medical office with a deposit. Deposit funds are returned upon completion of the analysis and subject to a receipt for the deposit.

Literature

1. Order of the USSR Ministry of Health dated April 22, 1985 No. 535 On the unification of microbiological (bacteriological) research methods used in clinical diagnostic laboratories of medical institutions.
2. Encyclopedia of clinical laboratory tests edited by WELL. Titsa. Publishing house "Labinform" - M. - 1997 - 942 p.
3. Nightingale C. et al./ Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics in Theory And Clinical Practice/2006/ M.Dekker inc./ 550 ps.

Indications for use

• Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis (rhinosinusitis), epiglottitis.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of research results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Accurate diagnosis is determined by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: medical history, results of other examinations, etc.

Information given:

1. about the absence or presence of growth;
2. on the number of opportunistic microorganisms and yeast-like fungi grown in the crop;
3. about the genus and species of representatives of opportunistic flora;
4. about the sensitivity of pathogens to antibiotics in each case of detection of pathogenic or opportunistic microorganisms (if the number is more than 10 4 CFU/tampon). The list of AMPs is determined by the type of pathogens identified, the lists can be found. The choice of bacteriophages is determined by the type of pathogens identified, the lists can be found

Important! Determining the type of fungi and testing sensitivity to antimycotic agents is not included in this analysis (if a fungal infection test is ordered).

Interpretation: Normally, saprophytic or opportunistic bacteria are isolated in low titre (< 10 4 кое/тамп). При заболевании выделяются этиологически значимые бактерии в диагностическом титре (>10 4 CFU/tampon). If there is no growth, it is recommended to repeat the study, since the material may not be adequately collected.

Attention! If the growth of normal, concomitant and opportunistic flora is detected in a low titer and without diagnostic value antibiotic sensitivity testing is not performed.

An additional order for determining sensitivity to the extended spectrum of AMPs is impossible; a test is prescribed for this purpose.