Abundant growth of lactobacilli in the cervical canal. Culture from the cervical canal

Bacterial culture (bacterial culture) is a study whose purpose is to find out what bacteria inhabit the cervical canal and how many of them live there. When an obviously or conditionally pathogenic microflora is detected, it is also determined which antibiotic or antiseptic drug can destroy this microflora (antibioticogram). The purpose of bacterial sowing is also to study beneficial flora - bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

This analysis is also capable of identifying yeast fungi, isolating their types and determining sensitivity, therefore it should be carried out for thrush - to select rational antifungal therapy.

The essence of the method

With a special sterile brush, its contents are taken from the cervical canal: this is the secretion of local glands and desquamated cells, which will certainly contain microflora. Next, this material is placed in a test tube with a special nutrient medium for most microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi will absorb the substances they need for life and multiply. The main thing is not to create conditions for them during this period that lead to their death: if at least some of them die, the doctor will not be able to cure the woman.

There are nutrient media that do not require the creation of a special environment for them before the test tube with the material gets into the bacteriological laboratory. Such hermetically sealed test tubes can be delivered by the patient herself for testing. In most medical institutions, after a smear is taken from the cervical canal, the tube is closed and placed in a thermostat, where there is a suitable temperature for the growth of microflora - 37 degrees. Such tubes are also transferred from the treatment room (or gynecologist’s office) under special conditions.

After the test tube enters the bacteriological laboratory, it is opened and the contents are applied to another nutrient medium located in a Petri dish. The cup is placed in a thermostat (a cabinet that maintains a set temperature) for 3-5 days, because the bacteria must grow sufficiently. Only then can you separate each species, determine the number of units within the species, and conduct tests with antibiotics.

Who needs to get tested

Cultures from the cervical canal must be taken:

annually – as a planned study;
when planning pregnancy;
with inflammation of the cervix;
if coccal flora is detected in a smear for microflora;
if there is an increased level of leukocytes in the smear;
with frequent recurrence of inflammatory diseases of the vagina and external genitalia.

Preparing for the study

To get a reliable result, you need to know how to prepare for the study:

do not douche, do not use any suppositories or vaginal creams the day before sowing;
exclude sexual activity for 24 hours before taking the test;
It is not recommended to undergo examination within two days after colposcopy;
If you took any antibiotics in the form of tablets, injections or droppers, the bacterial culture will be uninformative for two weeks after that.

The day of the cycle does not matter, you just don’t need to get tested during menstruation and 2 days after it ends. You can also undergo the study during pregnancy, then the material for culture should be collected only by a gynecologist.

How the procedure is performed

A woman comes into the office, takes off her shoes and clothes below the waist, and lies down on the gynecological chair. A special speculum is inserted into the vagina, and under visual control, the cervical canal is treated to a depth of 0.5-1.5 cm with a sterile probe or brush. The procedure takes less than a minute. Then the resulting contents are added to a special hermetically sealed tube with a liquid or gel-like medium.

Data decoding tank. culture of the cervix

The results come no earlier than after 5 days - the period necessary for the bacteria to have time to grow. The analysis form must indicate the microorganisms inhabiting the cervical canal.

Normally, there are no fungi in it, but there are lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in quantities of at least 10 7 . The growth of E. coli up to 10 2 and single enterococci is allowed.

The following are considered pathogenic:

more E. coli and enterococci;
yeasts, especially if they are described as having mycelium;
Staphylococcus: epidermal, aureus;
citrobacter;
Proteus;
gonococcus;
trichomonas;
gardnerella;
leptothrix.

In addition to the type of microorganism and the definition of antibiotics to which it is sensitive, the number of microbes is also indicated. Depending on this, there are 4 degrees of channel purity:

bacteria grow only in liquid media;
there is already growth on solid media, in the amount of up to 10 colonies of one species;
10-100 CFU on solid medium;
more than 100 colony-forming units on solid medium.

The causes of microflora disturbance in the cervical canal are infection through sexual contact or after medical interventions on the uterus or vagina.

Contribute to the development of the inflammatory process:

hormonal disbalance;
decreased immunity;
inflammation in adjacent organs;
ongoing antibiotic therapy;
poor hygiene conditions.

Bacterial culture is an informative analysis that allows you to determine the causative agent of the disease and its sensitivity to medications. This analysis is most often taken in gynecology and urology. This research method allows you to diagnose various inflammatory processes and diseases and prescribe effective treatment.

The female genital organs contain beneficial bacteria and microorganisms to maintain the necessary balance and acidic environment. They act as a barrier to various viruses and microorganisms. Due to various factors, pathogenic microorganisms become more numerous than beneficial microflora, resulting in an inflammatory process.

Bacteriological culture (bacteriological culture) is a method for diagnosing pathologies caused by bacteria. The main purpose of bacteriological culture is to identify harmful bacteria above the permissible limit, causing various diseases and inflammatory processes.

However, it should be noted that a small amount of harmful bacteria may be present in the vagina, which is associated with female physiology.The doctor takes a sample from the mucous membrane of the genital organs, and then places it in a special nutrient medium, where the necessary conditions are provided.

After the bacteria has developed in a favorable environment, examination under a microscope is carried out to determine its species.

Bakposev from the vagina helps to determine the composition of the microflora. If pathogenic microorganisms are present in it, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Indications for analysis

Biomaterial sampling is carried out from the cervix and cervical passage.Diagnostics can be scheduled for research.

There are the following indications for taking a smear for bacterial culture:

Pregnancy planning.
Diagnosis of inflammatory diseases in.
Detection of abnormal microflora.
Increased blood levels.
Frequent inflammatory processes in the uterus.

A study may be prescribed if unpleasant symptoms appear: itching, burning, white vaginal discharge, menstrual irregularities.

It is mandatory to take a smear from a pregnant woman for bacterial culture if a genitourinary infection is suspected or for preventive purposes. Pathogenic microorganisms detected in a smear of a pregnant woman are very dangerous for the fetus and can lead to miscarriage or infection.

Methods of bacterial sowing

During the study, pathogenic microorganisms are determined, on the basis of which one can judge possible pathological changes in the genitourinary organs. In addition to the qualitative determination of microorganisms, a quantitative assessment of pathogenic microflora is also carried out.

The biomaterial is taken from the area where the cervix and vagina connect. This is the cervical canal. At the same time, the discharge is collected from the urethra and vagina.Colony-forming unit (CFU) determination helps determine the number of pathogens per unit volume.

Colony-forming unit counting can be done in several ways:

Serial dilution method. Thanks to this method, it is possible to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics. 1 ml of biomaterial is diluted with inoculation in a numbered test tube with a nutrient medium. The tube in which colony growth stops is considered the maximum limit for the concentration of bacteria in the sample.
Counting colonies under a microscope. This is an indicative method in which colonies are counted under a microscope. Next, the results are interpreted in accordance with the table.
Sector method. Used to study the degree of urine bacteriuria.
When studying antibiotic resistance, 2 methods are used: the standard disk method and the diffusion method. After growing microorganisms in a favorable environment, disks soaked in antibiotic concentrate are lowered into the container. The second method involves the use of paper strips with the drug applied to them.

The results of bacterial culture can be found out after 5 days. Pathogenic microorganisms and their number populating the cervical canal are recorded in a special form.

Preparing for a smear for bacterial culture

To obtain a reliable result, you should properly prepare for the smear test:

To avoid the presence of other microorganisms in the smear, it is necessary to ensure the sterility of the material taken.
You should also avoid sexual intercourse the day before the test.
You cannot douche, insert suppositories, etc.
The procedure is not performed during menstruation. You can take a smear test only 2 days after the end.
If colposcopy was performed, bacterial culture is prescribed after two days.
It is not recommended to perform a culture if the woman was taking antibacterial drugs. Drug treatment may distort the results of the study and it will not be possible to obtain reliable information about the condition of the genital organs. A man must adhere to the same rules before taking tests.
Before taking a smear for examination, you should not perform genital hygiene, use various creams, gels for intimate hygiene, etc.

More information about the cervical canal smear can be found in the video:

The procedure is performed as follows: the woman lies down on the gynecological chair and the obstetrician inserts a special instrument into the vagina and takes a smear. In a man, the doctor inserts a disposable probe into the urethra and turns it around its axis several times.

During the collection of a smear, a woman and a man should not experience any painful sensations. In most cases there is mild discomfort. Only if the doctor is careless and there is any disease of the genital organs can there be slight discomfort.

Decoding the results

Various microorganisms are present in the vagina and cervix. If they belong to opportunistic microflora, then they do not pose a danger. The discharge of the cervical canal is not sterile.Normally, the analyzes should contain lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, which are representatives of normal microflora.

Microorganisms colonizing and present in the smear should not be included in the results. However, a single number of such microorganisms is allowed. If they are found in large quantities in the culture, this indicates an inflammatory process of the genitourinary system.

Normally, the culture should be free of gonococci, trichomonas, yeast, key cells, staphylococci, gardnerella, leptothrix, etc.

All these pathogenic microorganisms lead to the development of an inflammatory process and serious diseases.

During sowing, several degrees of development of microorganisms and their growth rate are distinguished:

In the first degree, there is a weak growth of bacteria and they are present only in a liquid medium.
The second degree is characterized by the growth of up to 10 colonies on a solid medium.
The third degree is characterized by an increase in bacteria to 100 colonies.
For the fourth, the number of microorganisms of one type exceeds more than 100 colonies.

Tank. culture (bacteriological culture) from the cervical canal refers to laboratory research methods quite often used in gynecology. With its help, doctors are able to accurately identify existing pathogenic microorganisms in the reproductive system and prescribe the necessary treatment. That is why this kind of analysis is carried out when determining sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. Let's consider this type of research in more detail.

What are the indications for cervical canal culture?

This type of research can be prescribed by doctors when:

planned annual examination of the female reproductive system;
inflammation of the cervix - cervicitis;
pregnancy planning process;
when coccal microflora is detected in a smear for vaginal cleanliness;
an increase in the number of leukocytes in a smear taken from the vagina;
relapses of inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system.

How to properly prepare for research?

Despite the fact that seeding for flora when taking material from the cervical canal is not a complicated procedure, preparation for its implementation is required. So, a woman must adhere to the following rules:

exclusion of intimate relations 1 day before the analysis;
cancellation of douching, as well as vaginal suppositories (if any were previously prescribed) for 24 hours.

If this analysis is carried out in order to determine sensitivity to antibiotics, then such drugs are stopped taking 10-14 days before the study. Also, the procedure is not carried out on critical days and if less than 2 days have passed since their end.

How is the material collection procedure carried out?

The sampling of material for bacteriological examination is carried out using a special sterile probe, which in its appearance resembles a small brush. The depth of its introduction is about 1.5 cm. The collected sample is placed in a test tube with a special medium, which is hermetically sealed. After a certain time (usually after 3-5 days), specialists conduct microscopy of a sample of material from nutrient media.

How is the result assessed?

Tank decoding. Sowing from the cervical canal should be done exclusively by a doctor. Only he has the opportunity to objectively assess the situation, taking into account the existing symptoms of the disorder and the severity of the clinical picture, which is necessary for a correct diagnosis. According to established standards, the sample of collected material is completely free of mushrooms. In this case, the number of lactobacilli must be at least 107. The presence of such a conditionally pathogenic microorganism is acceptable, but in a concentration of no more than 102.

Also normal, as a result of the tank. cultures from the cervical canal, the sample should be completely absent:

Thus, as can be seen from this article, bacteriological culture from the cervical canal is a fairly broad-based research method that can be used to identify many gynecological disorders.

Medical tests and studies play a big role in diagnosing various diseases. Many diseases do not produce any symptoms, and only laboratory examination of cells under a microscope can reveal infection or the presence of pathological changes in tissues. That is why all women aged 19 to 65 years old must be seen by a gynecologist for analysis.

How is a cervical smear taken?

One of the simplest, but no less important gynecological tests is a smear from the cervical canal. It is carried out on every woman of reproductive age who comes for a preventive appointment with a gynecologist during a routine examination on the chair. A smear is a scraping from the cervical canal, which is then sent for cytological examination to the laboratory. The latter is usually carried out using one of two methods: biological material is examined under a microscope or bacteriological culture is done. Cytology of a smear from the cervical canal makes it possible to judge the state of the microflora, and also helps to identify inflammatory processes and even oncological changes in the cervix.

A cytological smear from the cervical canal is not painful or scary at all. The doctor simply carefully takes the scraping with a special spatula, and then transfers it to a clean glass slide. This process takes just a few seconds. The analysis is the basis for the prevention of many female diseases, so you need to prepare for it: at least a day before going to the doctor, sexual intercourse, douching, the use of vaginal suppositories, pills, etc. are not recommended, otherwise the analysis will be uninformative. In addition, a cervical smear test should not be performed during menstruation.

Deciphering a smear from the cervical canal

In the table below you see the indicators by which the doctor interprets this analysis. This is the presence or absence of leukocytes, gonococci, trichomonas, yeast fungi and other norms in a smear from the cervical canal. The Latin letters V, C and U stand for the vagina, cervix and urethra, respectively (those tissues where certain microorganisms were or were not found).

The following facts indicate a deviation from the norm:

a large number of leukocytes, mucus or epithelium (inflammation);
lack of epithelium (lack of estrogen hormone);
the presence of gram-negative rods ();
gonococci();
trichomonas (trichomoniasis);
chlamydia (chlamydia);
yeast fungi (candidiasis);
key cells (vaginal candidiasis).

There is also a Papanicolaou reading option - it helps identify cervical pathologies, including precancerous conditions. There are 5 stages:

In more than 20% of cases, the results of this cytological study are false. This happens in case of imperfection of outdated methods. Therefore, if you doubt the reliability of the result of a smear from the cervical canal, you can retake it or ask your doctor about colposcopy - a detailed examination of the cervix, which provides expanded information about possible pathologies that are invisible during a routine examination.

It is known that microorganisms, despite their “small growth,” also have food “predilections,” an optimum temperature, in general, an environment that is ideal for them, where they feel comfortable and good, and therefore begin to multiply and grow intensively.

Bacteriological seeding or, as it is commonly called in short, tank seeding, is used to obtain a large number of microbes of one type (pure culture) in order to study their physicochemical and biological properties, so that later use the obtained data to diagnose infectious diseases.

Unfortunately, even now popular, and other methods, the main disadvantage of which are false positive or false negative results, cannot always identify the pathogen. In addition, they are not able to pick up targeted antibacterial drugs. A similar problem is solved by a sowing tank, which is often not in a hurry to appoint, referring to the fact that, for example, it is slowly cultivated, and the cost of analysis is considerable. However, health is worth it!

Conditions are needed for nutrition and breathing

Microbiologists now know that each pathogen needs its own “native” environment, taking into account its pH, redox potentials, viscosity, humidity and osmotic properties. Media can be soft and hard, simple and complex, universal and not very universal, but in all cases they must provide nutrition, respiration, reproduction and growth of the bacterial cell.

an example of the growth of microorganisms after tank sowing in a nutrient medium

Some media (thioglycolate, Sabouraud) are suitable for a wide range of microorganisms and are called universal. Others are intended only for certain species, for example, pneumococcus and Staphylococcus aureus, which produce hemolysins, grow on blood agar, which serves to isolate particularly “capricious” and, at the same time, dangerous strains. Thus, there are many types of media, where each of them grows its own range of microorganisms.

The purpose of cultivating microorganisms and its significance for diagnosis

In addition to water, air, soil, which contain various microorganisms in varying concentrations, including those that bring disease (pathogenic), many branches of medical science are interested in microbes living on the skin and mucous membranes of the human body, which can be represented by:

Permanent inhabitants who do not pose any danger to humans, that is, the normal microflora of the body, without which we simply cannot live. For example, the disappearance of bacteria living in the intestines and participating in the digestion process leads to dysbiosis, which is not easy to treat. The same thing happens with the disappearance of vaginal microflora. It is immediately populated by opportunistic microorganisms, gardnerella, for example, which cause;
Opportunistic pathogenic flora, which is harmful only in large quantities under certain conditions (immunodeficiency). The above-mentioned gardnerella is a representative of this type of microorganism;
Presence of pathogenic microbes, which are not present in a healthy body. They are alien to the human body, where they accidentally enter upon contact with another (sick) person and cause the development of an infectious process, sometimes quite severe or even fatal. For example, a meeting with pathogens is still all right, at first it is treated, but (God forbid!) It will release cholera, plague, smallpox, etc.

Fortunately, many of them have been defeated and are currently "behind seven seals" in special laboratories, but humanity at any time must be ready for the invasion of an invisible enemy capable of destroying entire nations. Bacteriological seeding in such cases plays, perhaps, the main role in the identification of the microorganism, that is, the determination of the genus, species, type, etc. (toxonomic position), which is very important for the diagnosis of infectious processes, including sexually transmitted diseases.

Thus, sowing methods, like nutrient media, are different, however, they have the same goal: obtain a pure culture without foreign impurities in the form of microbes of other classes, which live everywhere: in water, in the air, on surfaces, on and inside humans.

When is tank sowing prescribed and how to understand the answers?

Name of microorganism and its quantity

Patients do not prescribe bacteriological analysis to themselves; this is done by the doctor if he has suspicions that the problems of a patient presenting various complaints are associated with the penetration of a pathogenic pathogen into the body or with the increased reproduction of microorganisms that constantly live with a person, but exhibit pathogenic properties only in certain conditions. Having passed the test and after some time received an answer, a person gets lost and sometimes gets scared when he sees incomprehensible words and symbols, therefore, to prevent this from happening, I would like to give a brief explanation on this issue:

When examining biological material for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, the answer can be negative or positive (“bad tank culture”), since the human body is only a temporary shelter for them, and not a natural habitat.

Sometimes, depending on what material is to be inoculated, you can see the number of microorganisms expressed in colony-forming units per ml (one living cell will grow a whole colony) - CFU/ml. For example, culture of urine for bacteriological examination under normal conditions gives up to 10 3 CFU/ml of all identified bacterial cells, in doubtful cases (repeat the analysis!) - 10 3 - 10 4 CFU/ml, in case of an inflammatory process of infectious origin - 10 5 or higher CFU /ml. About the last two options in colloquial speech, sometimes they are simply expressed: “Bad tank sowing.”

How to “find control” against a pathogenic microorganism?

Simultaneously with the inoculation of the material in such situations, the microflora is inoculated for sensitivity to antibiotics, which will give a clear answer to the doctor - which antibacterial drugs and in what doses will “scare” the “uninvited guest”. There is also a decryption here, for example:

The type of microorganism, for example, is the same E. coli in an amount of 1x10^6;
The name of the antibiotic with the designation (S) indicates the sensitivity of the pathogen to this drug;
The type of antibiotics that do not act on the microorganism is indicated by the symbol (R).

Bacteriological analysis is of particular value in determining sensitivity to antibiotics, since the main problem in the fight against chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, etc. remains the selection of effective treatment that does not harm the body and does not impact the patient’s pocket.

Table: Alternative example of tank culture results identifying effective antibiotics

Proper preparation for bacteriological analysis is the key to reliable results

Any biological material taken from a person can be subjected to bacteriological analysis(skin, blood, sperm, mucous membranes of the oral cavity, respiratory and genitourinary tracts, gastrointestinal tract, organs of vision, hearing and smell, etc.). Most often, tank culture is prescribed by gynecologists and urologists, so we should dwell on it a little.

Proper preparation for bacteriological culture will be the key to the correct result, because otherwise, the analysis will have to be taken again and wait for the appointed time. How to donate blood from a vein for sterility is the task of health workers. As a rule, nothing depends on the patient here; he simply provides the elbow bend, and the nurse takes the sample into a sterile tube in compliance with all the rules of asepsis and antisepsis.

Another thing is urine or from the genital tract. Here the patient must ensure the first stage (collection), following the prescribed rules. It should be noted that the urine of women and men is somewhat different, although in the bladder of both sexes it is sterile:

In women, when passing through the urethra it can capture a small number of non-pathogenic cocci, although in general it often remains sterile;
For men, things are a little different. The anterior part of the urethra can supply passing urine with:
1. diphtheroids;
2. staphylococci;
3. some non-pathogenic gram-negative bacteria, as will subsequently be shown by bacteriological analysis.

However, if they are in an acceptable concentration (up to 10 3 CFU/ml), then there is nothing to be afraid of, this is a variant of the norm.

To avoid the presence of other microorganisms and to ensure maximum sterility of the material taken, before the analysis, the genital organs are thoroughly cleaned (the entrance to the vagina in women is closed with a cotton swab - protection from the ingress of genital secretions). For analysis, an average portion of urine is taken (the beginning of urination into the toilet, approximately 10 ml average portion in a sterile jar, ending in the toilet). Patients need to know: urine taken for culture must be processed no later than two hours when stored at no higher than 20°C, so transportation time should be calculated.

In addition, material for the culture tank, if necessary, is taken from the urethra and rectum in men, from the urethra, rectum, vagina, cervix and cervical canal in women, but this happens in the medical institution where the patient must arrive. Washing, douching and using antiseptics in such cases is prohibited.

Other issues of concern to patients

Many patients are interested in how many days the analysis is done. This question cannot be answered unequivocally; it all depends on what material is being studied and what pathogen should be looked for. Sometimes the answer is ready in 3 days, sometimes in a week or even 10 - 14 days, since some samples require subculture to another medium.

People heading to tank sowing do not ignore the question of the price of analysis. The approximate cost in Moscow is about 800 – 1500 rubles. Of course, it can be higher and depends on the breadth of the spectrum of bacteriological search. You can probably get a free test during pregnancy at a antenatal clinic, or at a clinic for special medical reasons.

For pregnant women, tank sowing is mandatory, it is given 2 times(at registration and at 36 weeks), in this case, a smear is taken not only from the genital tract, but also from the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx. The object of search in this case, in addition to urogenital infections, will be Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus), which in the postpartum period can cause a lot of trouble (purulent mastitis, etc.). In addition, pregnant women are required to undergo urine culture, scraping of the vaginal epithelium and smears from the cervix and cervical canal.

Many women, before going for the procedure, are very afraid of such terrible words and begin to think: “Is this necessary? Maybe I won’t go.” We hasten to assure you that the tests are absolutely painless. A smear from the cervix and cervical canal is taken with a sterile cytobrush, without causing the woman absolutely any pain, but subsequently a culture tank from the w/m and c/c will protect both the expectant mother and the fetus from possible complications. The objects of search during pregnancy are the causative agents of chlamydia, urea- and mycoplasma, yeast-like (usually Candida albicans), and other opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms.

Video: video demonstration on tank culture from the cervical canal

Special cases of particular interest to those taking tests

Once pathogenic microorganisms enter the genital tract, they take hold within a very short time and begin their harmful activities. For example, always pathogenic gonococci (Neisseria), which are the culprits of a rather unpleasant disease called and related to STDs, feel “at home” literally on the 3rd day. They begin to actively reproduce and boldly move upward along the reproductive tract, capturing more and more new territories. Everyone knows that gonorrhea can now be treated well and almost no one is afraid of it anymore. But first you need to find her. The main method of searching for this infection is culture, culture, identification using Gram staining, and microscopy.

“Coffee beans” (diplococci) found in pairs in a smear taken “for flora” from the genital tract do not indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted disease. Such vaginal microflora often appears in postmenopause and does not mean anything bad. A smear taken under non-sterile conditions on a glass slide and stained with methylene blue or Romanovsky (cytology) cannot differentiate the microorganism. He can only make a guess and refer the patient for additional research (obtaining an isolated culture).

It should be noted that while scrapings from the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract taken for culture for ureaplasma are not such a rare occurrence, then doctors themselves often avoid urine culture, since it is more difficult to work with.

It creates difficulties in diagnosis, which brings great harm not only during pregnancy. In addition, chlamydia causes many diseases that are characteristic not only of women, but also of the male population, so it is sown, cultivated, studied, sensitivity to antibacterial therapy is determined and, thus, it is combated.

During pregnancy, it is generally difficult to do without bacteriological culture, since many microorganisms, masked in a cytological smear, can be missed. Meanwhile, the effect of some STD pathogens on the fetus can be detrimental. In addition, treating a pregnant woman is much more difficult, and prescribing antibiotics “by eye” is simply unacceptable.

Sowing methods

To isolate pure cultures of pathogens, the first stage is to inoculate them on appropriate media, which is carried out under special (sterile!) conditions. Basically, the transfer of material to the medium is carried out using devices used back in the 19th century by the great Louis Pasteur:

Bacterial loop;
Pasteur pipette;
Glass rod.

Of course, many instruments have undergone changes over the 2 centuries, plastic sterile and disposable ones have replaced them, however, the old ones have not remained in the past, continuing to serve microbiological science to this day.

The first stage of obtaining colonies requires compliance with certain rules:

Sowing is carried out over an alcohol lamp in a box pre-treated with disinfectants and quartz treatment, or in a laminar cabinet that ensures sterility in the working area;
The health worker's clothing, gloves, and environment must also be sterile, since the opposite prevents isolation of isolated strains;
You need to work in boxing quickly, but carefully, you can’t talk and be distracted, while you need to remember about personal safety, because the material can be contagious.

Isolation of strains and study of pure cultures

The isolation of strains is not always the same, since some biological media that are in the human body require an individual approach, for example, hemoculture (blood) first in a liquid medium (ratio 1: 10) is slightly “grown up”, since blood (undiluted) can kill microorganisms, and then, after a day or more, they are transferred to Petri dishes.

Sowing urine, gastric lavage and other liquid materials also has its own characteristics, where in order to obtain a pure culture, the liquid must first be centrifuged (aseptic conditions!), And only then sow, and not the liquid itself, but its sediment.

Cultivation and cultivation of colonies is carried out on Petri dishes or placed first in a liquid medium poured into sterile vials, and then isolated colonies are sown again, but on slant agar and the material is placed in a thermostat for a day. After verifying the purity of the resulting culture, the strains are transferred to a glass slide, a smear is made and stained according to Gram (most often), Ziehl-Neelsen, etc., and for differentiation, the morphology of the microbe is studied under a microscope:

Size and shape of the bacterial cell;
Presence of capsules, flagella, spores;
Tinctorial properties (relationship of microorganism to staining)*.

*The reader has probably heard of such a pathogen as treponema pallidum? This is the causative agent of syphilis, and therefore its name (pale) appeared because it does not perceive paint well and remains slightly pinkish when stained according to Romanovsky. Microorganisms that do not perceive aniline dyes are called gram-negative, and perceiving - gram-positive. Gram-negative bacteria are given a pink or red color by Gram staining with additional dyes (magenta, safranin).

Tank sowing can be called an ancient analysis, but its popularity does not fall from this, although modern bacteriology has the ability to isolate not only strains, but also a single cell from it, which is called clone. However, to obtain a clone, a special device is needed - a micromanipulator, which is not available in conventional laboratories, since it is used mainly for research purposes (genetic studies).