Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, CSF

Test Name

Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic Bacteria, CSF – Conventional Identification & Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)

Overview

This test is performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to detect and identify aerobic bacterial pathogens that may cause serious infections of the central nervous system, including bacterial meningitis. Conventional microbiological methods are used for organism identification, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing when a clinically significant bacterium is isolated.

What Does the Test Detect?

The test helps identify aerobic bacteria such as:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Neisseria meningitidis
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Other clinically significant bacterial pathogens

Why Is This Test Done?

It may be recommended when bacterial infection of the central nervous system is suspected, particularly in patients with:

• Fever with severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Altered consciousness or confusion
• Seizures
• Suspected meningitis or other CNS bacterial infections

Test Method

1. CSF sample collection under appropriate clinical conditions.
2. Microscopic examination and culture using conventional microbiological techniques.
3. Identification of any significant bacterial growth using standard laboratory methods.
4. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) to determine the organism's susceptibility or resistance to selected antibiotics.

Sample Required

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) collected under sterile conditions.

Test Result

The report may indicate:

• No aerobic bacterial growth detected, or
• Bacterial organism identified, with relevant antimicrobial susceptibility results.

Important Note

CSF is a critical clinical specimen. Appropriate collection, prompt transport, and proper laboratory processing are essential for reliable results. Antibiotic therapy should be guided by the treating clinician and, when available, the culture and susceptibility findings.