Conjunctival Discharge

Conjunctivitis Inflammation Erythema Several causes: Bacterial Viral Allergic Chemical

Conjunctivitis - Discharge Discharge Cause Purulent Bacteria Clear Viral White, stringy mucous Allergies

Bacterial conjunctivitis Purulent discharge Conjunctival hyperemia

Viral Conjunctivitis Adenovirus Systemic viral infections Painful Herpetic Discordant lack of pain Diffuse redness, watery discharge

Aim of the test An etiological diagnosis of bacterial conjunctivitis by aerobic cultivation with identification and susceptibility test of the isolated bacteria . Types of specimen Discharge from the eye's.

Pathogen and commensals

Specimen collection Pull down the lower eyelid so that the lower conjunctival fornix is exposed. Swab the fornix without touching the rim of the eyelid with the sterile cotton swab. Place the swab immediately in a bacterial transport medium or, the specimen is brought to the laboratory immediately, in a sterile test tube with 0.5 mL of buffered saline (pH 7). Take Sufficient amount on the swab Time relapse before processing the sample Eye specimen should be processed immediately because tears contains lysosomes which may kill the organism.

Ear Discharge

Aim of the test Aetiological diagnosis of otitis external or otitis media by aerobic and anaerobic culture with identification and susceptibility test of the isolated organism (s). Types of specimen Pus from the external or middle ear.

Pathogen and commensals

Specimen collection Collect a specimen of the discharge on a thin, sterile cotton wool or Dacron swab. Place the swab in a container with the transport medium, breaking off the swab stick to allow the stopper to be replaced tightly. Label the specimen and send it to the laboratory. Time relapse before processing the sample not more than 2 hours

Vaginal Discharge

Terminology Vaginitis : significant inflammatory response in vaginal wall. Accompanied by high number of leukocytes in vaginal fluid. Found with candida and trichomonas infections. Vaginosis : minimal inflammatory response with few leukocytes in vaginal wall. Associated with increase in bacterial concentrations. Leukorrhoea : a non-infective, non-bloodstained physiological vaginal discharge.

Clinical approach Physical Exam : Diagnostic Tools: Appearance of discharge. Erythema and edema of vaginal mucosa. pH levels. Diagnostic Tools: Wet mount: microscopic examination of discharge KOH test: dissolves cellular debris leaving pseudohyphae of candida. Whiff test: Fishy odor of BV Culture.

Common Causes Normal discharge (30%) Bacterial Vaginosis (23-50%) Candida Vulvovaginitis (20-25%) Trichomonas vaginitis (5-15%) Mixed infection or Sexually Transmitted Disease (20%)

Aim of the test Isolate and identify potentially aerobic pathogenic organisms including Gardnerella vaginalis and group B Streptococcus; establish the diagnosis of gonorrhea, medical/legal cases.

Types of specimen Swab of vagina, cervix, discharge, aspirated endocervical, endometrial, prostatic fluid, or urethral discharge. Use swab to inoculate Jembec for transport to the laboratory and recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae; swab should also be sent in transport device.

Pathogen and commensals

Specimen processing