Bacteriology

Bacteriological tests

The aim of bacteriology tests is the detection and identification of disease-causing bacteria in the body and the determination of their antibiotic susceptibility.
These tests help find out whether a particular complaint is really caused by a bacterial infection, and which antibiotic is most effective for treatment.
Bacteriology is one of the most important branches of microbiological diagnostics. Accurate identification of the pathogen is essential for targeted, effective and responsible treatment.

When is a bacteriological test recommended?

If a bacterial infection is suspected, testing is always justified, especially if the complaints are prolonged, recurring, or not responding properly to treatment so far.
Typical symptoms and conditions for which bacteriology testing is recommended:

• Urinary tract infections: for frequent or burning urination, lower abdominal pain, or cloudy or unpleasant-smelling urine.
• Gynaecological complaints: vaginal discharge, itching, unpleasant odour, pelvic pain, recurring infections.
• Throat and respiratory infections: for a prolonged sore throat, tonsillitis, cough or fever, when a viral infection is no longer likely.
• Wound infections: for weeping, inflamed or painful wounds, or inflammation or pus around surgical scars.
• Sexually transmitted infections: for discharge, burning when passing urine, lower abdominal pain, or after an infection found in a partner.
• Recurring skin and nail infections, spots with pus, abscesses or boils.

How is the test carried out?

The first step of the test is proper sample collection, in which a small amount of material (e.g. urine, throat swab, wound discharge, vaginal discharge, etc.) is taken under sterile conditions from the site of the complaint.
In the laboratory the sample is placed on suitable culture media for culture, where under controlled conditions they check which bacteria grow in it.
The test has several steps:

1. Culture: the bacteria in the inoculated sample form visible colonies on the culture medium.
2. Identification: the laboratory identifies the pathogen using various microbiological methods and determines the exact species (e.g. E. coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.).
3. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (antibiogram): this shows which antibiotics the detected bacterium is sensitive to and which it is resistant to.

This last step is especially important, because it allows the doctor to recommend targeted, personalised treatment, avoiding unnecessary or ineffective antibiotics.

Why is correct sample collection important?

The key to an accurate diagnosis is professional sample collection.
The cleanliness of the sample, the timing of collection and the transport of the sample all have a major effect on the result.
That is why:

• always with sterile equipment,
• in the active stage of the infection,
• and the sample should ideally be taken before you start taking antibiotics.

If you have already started taking antibiotics, you must tell us, as this can affect whether the bacteria can be detected.
At Sabjanics Medical Center our specialists take samples gently, hygienically and discreetly, keeping discomfort to a minimum and making sure the test is reliable.

Understanding the results

The laboratory result shows that:

• whether a pathogenic bacterium can be detected in the sample,
• and which antibiotics are effective against it.

If the test result says “no pathogen”, it does not necessarily mean there is no infection — the sample may have been taken too early or while antibiotics were having an effect.
In such cases the doctor decides on further tests or a repeat sample based on your symptoms and the test result.

At Sabjanics Medical Center we explain the results in detail: what the test result means, whether further tests are needed and what treatment is recommended.
Our aim is for you to understand the process clearly and feel safe on the way from diagnosis to recovery.

Laboratory diagnosis of STD bacterial pathogens – recognising hidden infections

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, and in many cases they may be mild, vague or even have no symptoms at all. Left untreated, however, these infections can be passed on or lead to late complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility or chronic urinary complaints.
That is why targeted diagnosis is recommended, especially with a new partner, recurring symptoms or a positive result in a partner.

Which bacteria are typically tested in STI diagnostics?

(The diagnostic method differs by pathogen)

• Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoea, “the clap”)
  Primary diagnosis: PCR.
  Culture is indicated if antibiotic susceptibility testing is needed.
• Chlamydia trachomatis
  Cannot be routinely cultured.
  Primary diagnosis: PCR, ideally from a first-void urine sample (in men) or a cervical sample (in women).
• Mycoplasma genitalium
  Cannot be routinely cultured.
  Primary diagnosis: PCR, with a separate marker (resistance analysis if needed).
• Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma hominis
  Diagnosis can be made by PCR or by targeted culture; results should be assessed in the clinical context.

Important note:
Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and bacterial vaginosis are not STIs, but an imbalance of the vaginal microbiome. Diagnosis: smear, pH, and a PCR panel if needed.

Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is not an STI either!! In pregnant women, targeted screening is done between weeks 35 and 37.

How is the sample taken?

The type of sample always depends on the suspected pathogen and the site of symptoms.

• In women: vaginal or cervical sample, and throat / rectum if needed
  • In men: first-void urine is recommended; a urethral sample only when indicated (targeted screening)!
  • After anal/oral contact: a rectal or throat sample may be needed

The laboratory method used may be:

• PCR (first choice for many pathogens)
• Culture (mainly in gonorrhoea to determine antibiotic susceptibility, and for Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma hominis)
• Smear microscopy / criteria for bacterial vaginosis (e.g. clue cells)

Why is targeted diagnostics important?

Choosing the right sample collection and diagnostic technique makes it possible that:

• the infection can be reliably detected,
  • antibiotics are used only when indicated, and in a targeted way,
  • chronic complications and infection of partners can be avoided.

When is STD bacteriological screening recommended?

The test is recommended in every case if:

• there has been a new relationship or sex without protection,
• recurrent lower abdominal, urinary or vaginal symptoms occur,
• an infection has been diagnosed in a partner,
• a safety check is needed before or during pregnancy,
• as part of a follow-up test after an infection has settled.

STI bacteriology testing is quick, painless and discreet, yet it can prevent serious illness, so it is recommended not only when you have symptoms but also as regular screening.

Why is it worth having the STD test done at Sabjanics Medical Center?

At our centre, samples are always taken by trained, empathetic professionals in discreet surroundings.
We send the samples to a modern microbiology laboratory, where pathogens are identified and antibiotic susceptibility is determined using the latest methods.
Our doctors explain the test result clearly, in a calm setting, and if needed also give treatment recommendations.

At Sabjanics Medical Center, STI screening is not just a test but responsible care for your own health and your partner’s.
Early detection and the right treatment are key to making sure infections do not have long-term consequences, and that you can return to everyday life safely and with confidence.