The coculture, also called a microbiological coproculture, is an examination that aims to identify the infectious agent responsible for gastrointestinal changes, and is usually requested by the doctor in case of suspected infection with Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli or Shigella. Spp.
To perform this test, it is recommended that the person evacuate and bring to the laboratory the properly stored stool within 24 hours so that the test can be performed and the bacteria responsible for gastrointestinal alteration can be identified, in addition to identifying the bacteria that are part of the procedure. normal gut microbiota.
- Co-culture is used to identify microorganisms that may be related to gastrointestinal changes.
- Such as food poisoning or intestinal infection.
- This test may then be ordered by your doctor when the person has any of the following symptoms:.
In most cases, in addition to requesting a co-culture, the doctor also requests a parasitological examination of the stool, which is an examination that identifies the presence of parasites in the faeces also responsible for gastrointestinal symptoms, such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Taenia sp. and duodenal ancilostoma, for example. Learn more about the parasitological examination of the stool.
To perform a coculture, it is recommended that the person collect stool and stool that has come into contact with urine or vessel should not be collected. In addition, if blood, snot or other changes in stool are observed, it is recommended to collect this part, as there is a higher chance of identifying the microorganisms that may be responsible for the infection.
In some cases, your doctor may suggest that a swab be removed directly from the person’s rectum, which is most often taken in hospital patients. Learn more about the stool exam.
Once the sample has been properly taken and stored, it must be transported to the laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, stools are placed in specific culture media that allow the growth of invasive and toxigenic bacteria, which are those that are not part of the normal microbiota or do, but produce toxins and cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
It is important for the person to indicate whether they are using antibiotics or if they have used them in the last 7 days before the test, as this may interfere with the result. In addition, it is not indicated that the person uses laxatives to stimulate stool, as this can also interfere with the test result.
See more details on how to collect stool for review in the video below: