Isolation, Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Abstract

These guidelines are focused on one of the most frequent bacterial pathogen causing communityacquired infections – Streptococcus pneumoniae. Collection of clinical specimens, selective and nonselective media for isolation, morphological and phenotypic approaches to identification are described indetails. A special attentionis drawnto preparation and storage of different reagents. Advantages and disadvantages of different susceptibility testing methods are highlighted. Criteria for interpretation of results based on international guidelines (NCCLS) are presented. These guidelines are designed for microbiologists, epidemiologists, and laboratory assistants.