Throat Swab Gram stain: Introduction, Report-Interpretation, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria in throat swab Gram stain photomicrograph at a magnification of 4000X

Introduction A throat swab Gram stain is a rapid, initial diagnostic test performed on specimens collected from the oropharynx or tonsillar region. It helps to identify bacterial flora, pathogens, and inflammatory response. While culture and molecular methods provide definitive diagnosis, Gram staining offers early guidance …

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Corynebacterium diphtheriae: Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Corynebacterium diphtheriae colony morpholoy on 5% sheep blood agar after 48 hours of incubation

Introduction Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that causes diphtheria, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening respiratory infection. This bacterium was first identified and described by the German physician Edwin Klebs in 1883, and later confirmed by Friedrich Loeffler and Emil von Behring. The …

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