Bacteriological examination of throat swab

Local microflora of pharyngeal (throat) mucosa includes: Neisseria, diphtheriae, alpha-hemolytic and gamma-hemolytic streptococci, mycoplasmas, coagulase-negative staphylococci, moraxella, bacteriophage and others.

The etiological factor of 70% of pharyngitis is a virus. The process is characterized by damage to the epithelium of the airways and obstructive obstruction of the sinuses or Eustachian tube, which contributes to the development of additional bacterial infection with local microflora. Is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus) and it acts as a bacterial agent that can cause severe complications of pharyngitis: sinusitis, otitis media, paratonsillar abscess, etc. Pharyngitis is also caused by group C and G beta-hemolytic streptococci. Rheumatism is also a possible complication of pharyngitis caused by beta hemolytic streptococci (groups A, C and G).

To prevent these complications, bacteriological examination of the throat smear is necessary to facilitate proper diagnostics and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy.

How Get ready Rules for test / material collection

For bacteriological examination of throat swab material should be taken:

• Before treatment with antibacterial and antifungal agents.
• No earlier than 7-10 days after the end of the course of treatment with antibacterial and antifungal drugs.
• Against the background of antibacterial and antifungal treatment as prescribed by a physician.

• It is recommended to take the smear in the morning on an empty stomach (do not brush your teeth before the examination), or 1.5-2 hours after eating.
• It is important not to use oral antiseptics before taking sample.