Hui Wang1, David R Murdoch. 1. Microbiology Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Abstract
AIMS: To evaluate the Gram stain with carbol-fuchsin counterstain for the rapid detection of Campylobacter species in faecal samples. METHODS: In total, 842 consecutive diarrhoeic faecal samples were prospectively examined for Campylobacter species by Gram stain and culture. RESULTS: Campylobacter species were isolated from 84 faecal samples (all Campylobacter jejuni). Compared with culture, Gram stain microscopy had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 99.7%, positive predictive value of 97%, and negative predictive value of 99% for detecting Campylobacter species. CONCLUSIONS: The direct Gram stain method can provide a presumptive result within 30 minutes of receipt of a faecal sample in the laboratory with relatively high sensitivity, and at low cost. Laboratories in areas where Campylobacter enteritis is common and/or with limited resources for Campylobacter culture should consider adopting this as a routine method.
AIMS: To evaluate the Gram stain with carbol-fuchsin counterstain for the rapid detection of Campylobacter species in faecal samples. METHODS: In total, 842 consecutive diarrhoeic faecal samples were prospectively examined for Campylobacter species by Gram stain and culture. RESULTS:Campylobacter species were isolated from 84 faecal samples (all Campylobacter jejuni). Compared with culture, Gram stain microscopy had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 99.7%, positive predictive value of 97%, and negative predictive value of 99% for detecting Campylobacter species. CONCLUSIONS: The direct Gram stain method can provide a presumptive result within 30 minutes of receipt of a faecal sample in the laboratory with relatively high sensitivity, and at low cost. Laboratories in areas where Campylobacterenteritis is common and/or with limited resources for Campylobacter culture should consider adopting this as a routine method.
Authors: Paul A Granato; Li Chen; Iris Holiday; Russell A Rawling; Susan M Novak-Weekley; Tammy Quinlan; Kimberlee A Musser Journal: J Clin Microbiol Date: 2010-09-01 Impact factor: 5.948