Purpose
Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. The purpose of this lab is to isolate, identify, and discuss common bacteremia pathogens using common biochemical and morphological tests.
Students receive a case study patient with a simulated blood sample containing an unknown pathogen. These eight patients will be infected by one of eight possible pathogens.
Objectives
After completing this lab, students will be able to:
- Identify the common bacterial bacteremia pathogens
- Interpret the results of common biochemical and morphological tests used to diagnose bacteremia
- Use an enrichment culture to improve the isolation of pathogens from dilute samples