Identification of Enterobacterales and Urinary Cytobacteriological Examination

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the identification of Enterobacterales and urinary cytobacteriological examination.

Enterobacterales

A group of Gram-negative bacilli bacteria that are facultatively anaerobic and non-spore forming.

Gram-negative

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining protocol, appearing pink under a microscope.

Catalase-positive

Bacteria that produce the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Oxidase-negative

Bacteria that do not produce the enzyme oxidase, which is required for the oxidation of some substrates.

Beta-hemolysis

A type of hemolysis where bacteria produce enzymes that lyse red blood cells, causing clear zones around colonies on blood agar.

Lactose fermentation

The process by which bacteria convert lactose into energy, producing acid and sometimes gas as byproducts.

Antigenic characteristics

Surface antigens of bacteria used for serotyping, including somatic (O), flagellar (H), and capsular (K/Vi) antigens.

Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms

Processes by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, like the production of beta-lactamases.

Pyuria

The presence of a large number of white blood cells (leukocytes) in urine, indicating inflammation or infection.

Bacteriuria

The presence of bacteria in urine, often a sign of urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

An infection that occurs when bacteria invade any part of the urinary system, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Significant bacteriuria

Defined as the presence of over 100,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter of urine, indicating a possible infection.

Antibiotic susceptibility testing

Methods used to determine the efficacy of antibiotics on bacteria isolated from clinical samples.

Urine sampling

The process of collecting urine samples, which can include specific techniques to reduce contamination.