Bacterial Identification Essay

Bacterial identification plays an imperative role in pathology, enabling the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases abundant within the human population. Samples from biological tissues as well as artificial reservoirs, are frequently utilised for analysis in order to detect the presence of bacteria. These may be either normal flora, opportunistic pathogens or invasive microorganisms, from which analysis can deduce their role in disease states. The inaugural step in the process of bacterial identification is the culturing of the sample followed by primary isolation, and hence is limited by the fact that the organisms in question must be capable of growth of agar. Procedures for identification are largely dependant on phenotypic analysis, including colony morphology and cellular characteristics. One such defining element of bacterial identification is the Gram stain, which is critical knowledge for classification and the subsequent implementation of antibiotic treatment plans. Furthermore, selective and differential media, and in some cases, Microbacts may be utilised. These provide information as to the biochemical …show more content…
This enables the exploration of initial assumptions, and determination of which organisms play a role in the contamination of the peanut butter. Through the classification of the microorganisms originating from the sample, the peanut butter can be confirmed as the reservoir of infection, and the symptoms shown by the children are able to be attributed to specific pathogens. Furthermore, this facilitates a confident diagnosis of the disease state presented, and assists in the establishment of a practical strategy for treatment of the children affected. Ascertaining the source of the illness can additionally be a strategy to preventing future cases, by ensuring it is not used again and establishing the need for product recall and