Blood: Bacteroides fragilis – Shipped May 09, 2017
HISTORY
A simulated blood culture sample collected from a 57 year old male with bowel obstruction was sent to category A laboratories. Participants were expected to isolate and identify Bacteroides fragilis group. No susceptibility testing was required.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from M171-4
- The importance of communication between the laboratory and the clinician alerting of a presumptive Bacteroides fragilis group because they are resistant to more antimicrobial agents than most other anaerobic organisms.
- Members of Bacteroides fragilis group are the most frequently isolated anaerobic pathogens from bloodstream infections.
