Purpose
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. The purpose of this lab is to isolate, identify, and discuss bacterial pneumonia pathogens using common biochemical and morphological tests.
Students receive a case study patient with a simulated sputum sample containing two unknown organisms, one of which will be a common pneumonia pathogen. These eight patients will be infected by one of six possible pathogens.
Objectives
After completing this lab, you will be able to:
- Isolate and identify bacteria from mixed cultures
- Identify the common bacterial pneumonia pathogens
- Interpret the results of common biochemical and morphological tests used to diagnose pneumonia
- Assess bacterial load from a sputum sample using a semiquantitative quadrant streak
- Assess bacterial load from a sputum sample using a semiquantitative Gram stain