Посев на анаэробную флору

Anaerobic culture (culture for anaerobic bacteria) is performed to recover and identify obligate anaerobes from clinical material when anaerobic infection is suspected. Results guide targeted antimicrobial therapy by linking organism identification with susceptibility testing when performed, and they can also be used to assess microbiologic response during treatment. This test supports evaluation of deep-seated abscesses, soft-tissue and wound infections near mucosal surfaces, intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, and postprocedural or postabortal sepsis where anaerobes commonly contribute.

Obligate anaerobic bacteria comprise a large fraction of the normal human microbiota but can cause purulent infections under specific conditions. Disease typically arises in closed spaces such as abscesses, necrotic muscle, and deep chronic ulcers, where the redox potential is low and oxygen exposure is limited. Hallmarks that raise suspicion for anaerobic involvement include foul-smelling discharge, gas within soft tissues, and lesions situated adjacent to mucosal surfaces. Clinically relevant anaerobes span multiple genera, including Actinomyces, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Eubacterium, Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, Propionibacterium, Veillonella, Prevotella, Gemella, Porphyromonas, and Bifidobacterium. Recovery requires inoculation onto appropriate media and incubation in an oxygen-free atmosphere. Following isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing can be performed to inform rational therapy selection. Because oxygen is detrimental to these organisms, collection and transport should preserve anaerobic conditions. Specimens are best placed into validated anaerobic transport systems to maintain viability until culture is initiated.