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Research Paper | Medical Microbiology | India | Volume 13 Issue 3, March 2024
Comparison of Two Different Criteria for Judging the Acceptability of Sputum Specimens
R. Sujatha Arunagiri | Khutija Sarah | Akanksha Maurya
Abstract: Introduction: Sputum Gram stains and cultures are standard tests for the diagnosis and management of lower respiratory tract infections. Collection of sputum sample, microscopy and culture plays important role. Aim: Aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic performance of Gram staining by Bartlett and Murray and Wshington ceiteria comparison to sputum culture results for lower respiratory tract infections. Materials and methods: This Study was performed in department of Microbiology in a tertiary care hospital. The study period was one year from January 2023 to December 2023. Gram staining and culture were done for all 173-sputum sample. The evaluation of expectorated sputum based on Bartlett, Murray and Washington grading system. Results: Among 173 samples, 150 (86.7%) samples accepted and 23 (13.29%) were unacceptable by Bartlett whereas Murray and Washington accepted 109 samples. The percentage of specimen found acceptable which contained potential growth varied from 82.63% (Bartlett) to 80.7% (Murray and Washington). The sensitivity, specificity of Bartlett criteria are 97.6%, %, 43.4%. whereas the sensitivity, specificity of M &W criteria are 77%, 64%. Among culture positive Klebsiella pneumonia were most common 39 (36.11%), followed by E. coli 23 (21.29%%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 21 (19.4%) Staphylococcus aureus 15 (13.8%%), Acinatobacter baumanii 5 (4.6%) and Serratia marcessens 2 (1.8%) Streptococcus pneumonia 3 (2.7%). Conclusion: Correct interpretation of Gram stain helps the physician to start the antibiotics early and can improve the choice of antibiotics thus can greatly reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients
Keywords: Bartlett's and Murray & washington grading system, Gram stain, Sputum acceptable category, Sputum culture
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 3, March 2024,
Pages: 674 - 676