Home | Administration | Order Supplies | Job Postings | Contact & Location | User Comments and Questions

Microbiology - Enteric Bacteriology

Reporting Procedure and Interpretation

Negative culture results are reported within three to four work days after receipt of the specimen.  Serotyping and biochemical identification results usually are reported within four to seven work days.  Final results on isolates referred to the CDC for further testing may be delayed up to several months.

Local health departments should telephone the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Section at (919) 733-3419 when enteric disease outbreaks are suspected in a day care center, nursing home or restaurant.  In addition, the Food, Lodging and Institutional Sanitation Branch of the Division of Environmental Health should be notified at (919) 733-2905 when restaurant- or institution-associated illness is suspected.

• Salmonella
  All species of Salmonella can cause enteric disease (salmonellosis). Salmonella species are reported according to the following designations
  • Salmonella typhi -- includes only this agent of typhoid fever
  • Salmonella choleraesuis -- includes S. choleraesuis and S. choleraesuis bioserotype Kunzendorf
  • Other Salmonella serotypes -- all other serotypes are reported using the traditional designation (ex.:S. typhimurium, S. heidelberg, etc.), if named, though many Salmonella species now have only an antigenic formula designation. Although taxonomically they are classified as bioserotypes of S. enteritidis
  • Salmonella arizona -- the organism formerly known as Arizona hinshawii has been reclassified as a bioserotype of S.enteritidis.  These isolates are reported as Salmonella arizona
• Shigella
  All species of Shigella can cause enteric disease (shigellosis).  Species of the genus Shigella are reported as follows:
  • Shigella dysenteriae or subgroup A (11 serotypes)
  • Shigella flexneri or subgroup B (6 serotypes)
  • Shigella boydii or subgroup C (15 serotypes)
  • Shigella sonnei or subgroup D (1 serotype)
• E. coli 0157:H7/STEC
  E.coli 0157:H7 (sorbitol negative) is associated with hemorrhagic colitis and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).  Stool specimens should be collected in Enteric Culture containers and should be refrigerated after collection and during transport with freezer packs in an insulated container.  Indicate on the Enteric Bacteriology DHHS form #3390 (PDF, 407 KB) that examination for E.coli 0157:H7 or other Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) is requested.  Please telephone the Enteric Bacteriology Unit at (919) 807-8608 prior to submitting specimens associated with outbreaks.  Contact the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Section at (919)733-3419 for epidemiological assistance.
  
  Isolates of sorbitol-negative E. coli are tested for reactivity in somatic 0157 and flagellar H7 antisera.
  
  Isolates of other E. coli (non-0157:H7) from documented cases of bloody diarrhea or associated with cases of hemorrhagic colitis or HUS will be confirmed and serotyped, if possible. Referral to CDC may be necessary.
  
  Recommendations for diagnosis and follow-up of cases of disease caused by Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli 0157:H7 or other Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), and Campylobacter are outlined in Control of Communicable Diseases in Man.  Questions concerning epidemiological investigation of these illnesses should be directed to the Epidemiology and Communicable Disease Section at (919)733-3419.
• Other Enterobacteriaceae
  Members of other genera in the Family Enterobacteriaceae are reported using genus and species designations consistent with descriptions in the Manual of Clinical Microbiology, or in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria.
  
  The SLPH reports all confirmed Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Vibrio, and E. coli 0157:H7/STEC isolates to the Communicable Disease Control Branch of the Epidemiology Communicable Disease Section for surveillance purposes.
  
  Results are reported on computer-generated forms which are returned to the submitting agency.  Bacteriology DHHS form #3390 (PDF, 407 KB) accompanying specimens are retained in the Unit for two years.  The submitting agency is responsible for maintaining records in patient files.

Relevant Links:

• About Enteric Bacteriology

See also:

• About Microbiology
• Botulism
• Bordetella Pertussis
• Enteric Bacteriology
• Foodborne Illness
• Cholera
• Legionella
• Mycobacteriology
• Mycology
• Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
• Norovirus
• Parasitology
• Special & Atypical Bacteriology

DHHS Disclaimer | Notice of Privacy Practices | Aviso de las Práticas de Privacidad | Site Map