Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic)

You need to provide

Stool

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic)

What is Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic)?

Culture stool test is done to detect the presence of infectious bacteria in the digestive tract and to diagnose the stomach problems. This test differentiates between healthy and infectious micro flora in the gut. The infectious microorganisms enter inside the body either through contaminated food and water or due to side effects of some antibiotics. This test is recommended if a person suffers from stomach pain, abnormal bowel movements, persistent diarrhea, blood in stool, nausea, and fever.
Immediate medication is necessary after diagnosis. If ignored sometimes the patient may need hospitalization due to excessive fluid loss. Maintenance of proper hygiene and drinking enough water can help in mitigating the chances of infection.

What is Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic) used for?

The stool culture test is done in the following conditions:

If your doctor suspects any stomach or intestinal infection
If you experience signs or symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever for a long time
If you have severe symptoms such as extreme dehydration or have diarrhea from traveling to another country.

Interpreting Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic) results

Interpretations

A positive result means that there is growth of a pathogenic microorganism in the stool sample, which indicates an infection.
A negative result means that there are no pathogenic organisms present in the stool sample.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic)

Frequently Asked Questions about Stool Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic)

Q. Is there any special preparation required for the test?

No, there is no special preparation required for the test.

Q. What is Travelers’ diarrhea?

Diarrhea which occurs in people who are traveling is referred to as Travelers’ diarrhea. In this, three or more unformed stools are passed in the time span of 24 hours. It occurs due to intake of contaminated food and water. The contamination could be due to bacteria, parasites, or fungi. Other symptoms include nausea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.

Q. What precautions can be taken to avoid bacterial infection of the digestive tract?

The first and foremost precaution to be taken is to avoid the intake of contaminated food and water. Avoid eating from places where good hygiene practices are not followed. Hands should be washed frequently. Eat properly cooked food, as raw or uncooked food has more chances of causing infection. In addition to that, unpasteurised dairy products should be avoided.

Q. What are the other causes of diarrhea?

The other causes of diarrhea may include viral infections such as norovirus, parasitic infections (e.g., giardiasis, hepatitis A), food intolerance, medications, bowel disease or bowel dysfunction (e.g., celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease), or malabsorption.

Q. Does normal stool contains bacteria?

Yes, our gastrointestinal system is home to millions of bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, lactics, enterics, enterococci, bifidobacteria, bacteroides, clostridia, and methanogens. These are called good bacteria because they help us in digestion.

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