Coprogram or stool analysis for a baby. When is it necessary to take a stool test for opportunistic flora?

The human intestine is inhabited by ~3 kg of bacteria. They represent the microflora necessary for normal digestion, but in the event of various malfunctions, the number of some microorganisms can noticeably decrease - dysbacteriosis will occur - an imbalance of bacteria.

Although doctors do not classify it as an independent disease, this does not reduce the harm. If intestinal dysbiosis is suspected, special stool tests are prescribed to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract are of paramount importance for human life. They synthesize vitamins, break down food and protect against attacks by pathogenic strains.

In other words, humans and bacteria are in symbiosis. But if the composition of the microflora is disturbed, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea may occur, not to mention the consequences of insufficient supply of nutritional compounds to the tissues.

The purpose of stool analysis is to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of bacteria in the intestines.

For this purpose, 3 methods are usually used in medicine:

1. Coprogram.
2. Bacteriological analysis.
3. Biochemical analysis.

Coprogram

A coprogram is prescribed when a person complains of chronic or acute stool disorder, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.

Doctors also resort to such research when treating diseases not related to the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially true when treating pathologies in different parts of the body with antibiotics (throat, joints, etc.).

A coprogram is a primary examination, which is only an auxiliary method and gives a physical characteristic of the intestinal contents.

The analysis is carried out in 2 stages:

2. Microscopic:

• cells and tissue fragments;
• digested food (fiber, fat, salts, starch, etc.).

If the coprogram shows deviations from the norm, the doctor has a reason to conduct a more thorough analysis. In the laboratory, stool is cultured on a nutrient medium.

After 4-5 days, the bacteria will multiply, which will allow their colonies to be examined under a microscope. After this, the specialist makes a conclusion about the number of microbes in 1 g of feces (CFU/g).

Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis. Test results for adults and children often differ, so the patient’s age must be taken into account.

But waiting 5 days for colonies to grow is not always permissible, because during this time a person’s condition can deteriorate significantly.

Biochemical analysis of stool

Biochemical analysis of stool for dysbacteriosis gives results on the day the samples are submitted. The essence of such research is to identify compounds present in the intestines.

Particular attention is paid to the spectrum of fatty acids, because they are synthesized by bacteria in the process of life. Biochemical analysis is also called rapid diagnostics.

The method is very informative and simple; it not only demonstrates the imbalance of microflora, but also establishes the section of the intestine in which the malfunction occurred.

Doctors much more often prefer this study due to its significant advantages:

• Speed. Results will be available in 1-2 hours.
• Sensitivity. The method very accurately determines the concentration of compounds.
• Undemanding to the freshness of samples. Even yesterday's poop will do.

The reliability of the research results directly depends on proper preparation. The fact is that many food products contain substances that will give a positive reaction.

First of all, it's meat. It is in it that hemoglobin is present.

Secondly, it's iron. All red products contain this element. It is worth refraining from eating such foods for 3 days before the test, so that the laboratory does not accidentally get a false positive result.

Restrictions also apply to raw vegetables and fruits: during the preparation period you need to eat only thermally processed plant products.

In addition, the patient must stop taking medications that directly affect the intestinal microflora:

• antibiotics;
• probiotics;
• laxatives (official and popular);
• rectal suppositories.

Adults prepare for a stool test for dysbacteriosis on their own. Examining the contents of a child’s intestines is no different, but parents will have to monitor the child’s compliance with all recommendations.

How to properly take a stool test for dysbacteriosis?

Diet and medication withdrawal are the primary conditions for the reliability of the analysis results. In addition, the patient will need to collect stool in accordance with the rules.

Handing over feces - 6 rules:

1. Before the control bowel movement, wash the perineum (the possibility of getting old samples is eliminated).
2. The use of any auxiliary means to speed up the process of defecation (enema, laxative) is prohibited.
3. Prepare a special container with a tight lid in advance (must be purchased at a pharmacy).
4. Do not allow liquid to get into the stool (urine, water, etc.).
5. Take 3 stool fragments (1 teaspoon each from different areas).
6. If blood or mucus is present, such samples must be taken.

Gut bacteria are primarily anaerobic. 1 hour after defecation, they will still maintain their population in their natural form, but gradually the microorganisms will begin to die.

In order to correctly test stool for dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to deliver excrement samples to the laboratory at least within 2 hours after bowel movement.

Urgency is not so important for biochemical research, which studies not bacterial colonies, but the result of their vital activity - fatty acids. These compounds almost do not disintegrate spontaneously, and therefore remain unchanged for quite a long time.

Doctors even allow you to freeze stool and bring it in the next day. In the case of newborn children, this option is sometimes the most preferable for parents.

The intestines are home to 100 trillion bacteria, which is 10 times the number of all cells in the body. If there are no microbes at all, then the person will simply die.

On the other hand, a shift in balance in any direction leads to diseases. The interpretation of stool analysis for dysbiosis is to determine the number and types of microbes.

Table of interpretation of results and norms of analysis

Detailed transcript:

1. Bifidobacteria:

• 95% of all bacteria living in the intestines;
• synthesize vitamins K and B;
• promote the absorption of vitamin D and calcium;
• strengthen the immune system.

2. Lactobacilli:

• maintain acidity;
• synthesize lactase and protective substances.

3. Escherichia:

• synthesize vitamins K and B;
• promote the absorption of sugars;
• produce colicins, proteins that kill microbes.

4. Bacteroides:

• break down fats;
• perform a protective function.

5. Streptococci:

• break down carbohydrates;
• perform a protective function;
• present in small quantities and not always.

6. Enterococci:

• break down carbohydrates.

7. Peptococci:

• participate in the synthesis of fatty acids;
• perform a protective function;
• are not always present.

8. Staphylococci:

• live in the large intestine;
• participate in nitrate metabolism;
• There are many pathogenic strains.

9. Clostridia:

• live in the large intestine;
• synthesize acids and alcohols;
• break down proteins.

10. Fungal:

• maintain an acidic environment;
• opportunistic.

A change in the number of certain microorganisms is possible when pathogenic strains enter the intestines.

This usually occurs due to poor personal hygiene (dirty hands, unwashed fruits and vegetables). Antibiotic treatment is the second common cause of dysbiosis.

To normalize the situation in the gastrointestinal tract, doctors additionally prescribe probiotics - special dietary supplements.

In addition, dysbiosis often indicates an immune failure. Leukocytes control the population of microbes, the number of which increases significantly when natural defenses decrease. And often it is not beneficial bacteria that multiply, but pathogenic ones.

Stool analysis in children

The results of stool analysis for dysbacteriosis in children are somewhat different than in adults. This is due, first of all, to the gradual colonization of the intestines by microorganisms.

After birth, the child feeds on mother's milk, which promotes the development of normal microflora. But in hospitals, infection with Staphylococcus aureus often occurs.

And if the mother does not have antibodies to this microorganism, then the baby will develop dysbacteriosis.

In addition, some beneficial strains appear only within 1 year, such as bacteroides. Sometimes fungi of the genus Candida develop excessively in the child’s intestines, which provoke the corresponding disease - candidiasis.

The most common cause of dysbiosis in children is an early transition to artificial feeding. After all, the baby needs mother's milk in the first year of life.

Conclusion

A stool test for dysbacteriosis is prescribed for any digestive disorders. In addition, doctors monitor the state of the patient’s microflora during antibiotic therapy.

Timely identification of dysbiosis and clarification of the nature of the disorder will make it possible to take the right steps and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Stool analysis for dysbacteriosis- this study allows you to determine the content of bacteria in the intestines. The human intestine contains a huge number of bacteria that are actively involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. A stool test for dysbacteriosis is prescribed mostly for children, in cases where there are the following intestinal disorders: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, and also after long-term treatment with antibiotics (antibiotics, in addition to fighting infections, also destroy normal intestinal bacteria). There are three groups of intestinal bacteria - “normal” bacteria (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and Escherichia) they are actively involved in the work of the intestines, opportunistic bacteria (enterococci, staphylococci, clostridia, candida) under certain circumstances can turn into pathogenic bacteria and cause various diseases, and pathogenic bacteria (Shigella, Salmonella) that, when entering the intestines, cause serious infectious intestinal diseases.

Standards for stool analysis for dysbacteriosis

Bifidobacteria

Norm of bifidobacteria

Reasons for the decrease in the number of bifidobacteria

• Enzymatic diseases (celiac disease, lactase deficiency)
• Immune diseases (immune deficiencies, allergies)
• Change of climate zones
• Stress

Lactobacilli

Norm of lactobacilli

Reasons for reducing the number of lactobacilli

• Drug treatment (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as analgin, aspirin, laxatives)
• Poor nutrition (excess fat or protein or carbohydrates, fasting, poor diet, artificial feeding)
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases (chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers)
• Stress

Escherichia(E. coli typical)

Escherichia norm

Reasons for the decrease in the number of Escherichia

• Helminthiasis
• Treatment with antibiotics
• Poor nutrition (excess fat or protein or carbohydrates, fasting, poor diet, artificial feeding)
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)

Bacteroides

Norm of bacteroids in feces

Reasons for increasing the content of bacteroids

• Fat diet (eating a lot of fat)

Reasons for the decrease in bacteroid content

• Treatment with antibiotics
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)

Peptostreptococci

Normal amount in feces

Reasons for the increase in the content of peptostreptococci

• Eating a lot of carbohydrates
• Intestinal infections
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases

Enterococci

Norm of enterococci

Reasons for the increase in the content of enterococci

• Decreased immunity, immune diseases
• Food allergies

• Helminthiasis
• Treatment with antibiotics (in case of resistance of enterococci to the antibiotic used)

• Poor nutrition
• Reducing the amount of Escherichia coli (Escherichia)

Staphylococcus ( saprophytic staphylococci and pathogenic staphylococci )

Norm of saprophytic staphylococci

Norm of pathogenic staphylococci

Staphylococcus does not belong to the normal intestinal microflora; it enters the body from the external environment along with food. Staphylococcus aureus, entering the gastrointestinal tract, usually causes toxic infections.

Due to the presence of a huge number of bacteria in the human body, proper digestion of nutrients occurs. But not all bacteria have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the human gastrointestinal tract. Conventionally, existing bacteria can be divided into two types, namely opportunistic or pathogenic. The latter type of bacteria is the cause of various infectious diseases.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria in the human body causes certain harm to the condition and well-being of the person himself. Therefore, in cases of pain in the intestinal or stomach area, it is necessary to conduct a stool analysis for opportunistic pathogenic flora, which will help determine the type of bacteria and, according to the results of the analysis, select the necessary treatment.

The presence of opportunistic bacteria is not marked by a deterioration in the condition of a person and the functioning of his body, but only until, under the influence of the environment or other factors, they turn into the form of pathogenic bacteria that disrupt the proper functioning of the intestines. Such factors may be:

• The resulting dysbacteriosis;
• Decreased immunity due to illness or lack of vitamins in the body;
• Weakening of the general condition of the human body;
• Enduring stressful situations or constant nervous tension;
• Constant physical overload;
• A person being in an unfavorable climate for a long time;
• Living or working in an unsafe sanitary and hygienic environment.

Description of the reasons for performing a stool test for opportunistic pathogenic flora

The main reasons for conducting an analysis of the UPF, in addition to the pain that has arisen, are the following factors:

• In cases of employment. Where the future field of work will be closely related to the food industry, in medical institutions or in educational institutions in contact with children. Due to the fact that a person may not always feel pain symptoms during the presence of intestinal infections, but at the same time be a full-fledged carrier and distributor of this kind of disease, therefore, a timely analysis can prevent the occurrence of an epidemic of intestinal infection;
• In cases of contact with patients who are infected with an intestinal infection;
• If a person develops symptoms of infection with infectious diseases, an analysis is performed to determine the type of pathogenic bacteria;
• If you suspect intestinal dysbiosis.

A timely analysis of stool for UPF can prevent the occurrence of an infectious disease or deterioration of a person’s condition, as well as show the general condition of the body based on the following factors:

At the same time, during the analysis of the UPF, the body’s susceptibility to certain antibiotics is determined, which contributes to the correct selection of therapeutic therapy.

The correctness of collecting stool and submitting it for analysis to a medical institution

To carry out the analysis correctly and obtain reliable results, it is necessary to collect stool under certain conditions, namely:

• A few days before collecting stool, it is necessary to stop taking any medications, especially antibiotics, as they can affect the test results;
• It is also forbidden to take laxatives, because stool collection is carried out after natural bowel movements;
• It is forbidden to collect feces after an enema, as it washes away the real concentration of microorganisms;
• During the collection of feces, it is necessary to prevent urine from entering along with feces, which may give incorrect readings in the transcript itself;
• Feces must be collected in a pre-prepared, sterile container using a special spatula, which is included in the kit. Such medical containers can be purchased at any pharmacy or you can disinfect your own jars. In this case, the container must be filled with feces, only one third;
• After collecting stool, it is necessary to deliver the finished container within 3 hours to the laboratory itself. If this is not possible, then you should put the container with feces in the refrigerator, but for no more than 9 hours.

It is better to carry out analysis at the earliest stages of the disease, when the concentration of microbes is much higher, which will facilitate a qualitative analysis. A referral for such an analysis is issued by a general practitioner. Such an extract must be attached to the container itself with feces. This analysis will be carried out over 5 days, due to the fact that the existing bacteria will be sent to a nutrient medium, where they will be inoculated. After the growth of colonies of microorganisms, an analysis will be carried out to determine what type of bacteria these bacteria belong to.

Interpretation of the obtained analysis results

The results obtained are entered into a special form, where the required number of bacteria is indicated in the columns. The transcript itself describes the presence of both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, the presence and quantity of which describes the condition of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Only a qualified doctor can describe the decoding, who can accurately determine whether the presence of a particular bacterium in the human body is harmful. Microflora may consist of the following bacteria:

• Bifidobacteria, which make up about 95% of all intestinal microflora. At the same time, normal functioning of the intestines is not possible without the presence of this type of bacteria;
• Lactobacilli are also representatives of normal intestinal microflora, but their number does not exceed 5%;
• E. coli with normal concentration and correct enzymatic activity is present in every person from birth. The main condition for good functioning of the intestines is that the amount of such E. coli must be within the normal range, otherwise there is a danger of dysbacteriosis;
• The presence of coccal bacteria, which include all types of staphylococcal, streptococcal and enterococcal microbes;
• Staphylococcus aureus is one of the representatives of pathogenic bacteria; if its concentration increases, a person may experience allergic reactions or decreased immunity;
• Hemolyzing E. coli is very dangerous to human health, so even the smallest amount of it is unacceptable in the intestinal microflora;
• Pathogenic bacteria, there are a very large variety of such bacteria, so only with the help of analysis can one determine the specific causative agent of the infection.

The analysis of stool for intestinal microflora is very similar to the analysis for dysbiosis, because during its implementation, the presence of both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the human body is checked in the same way.

> Culture of pathogenic intestinal flora, determination of its sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs and bacteriophages

This information cannot be used for self-medication!
Consultation with a specialist is required!

The human intestine is normally populated by a large number of microorganisms. These are various representatives of lactobacilli, bacteroides, enterobacteria, peptostreptococci, etc. These bacteria make up the so-called intestinal microflora, participate in the digestion process, support local immunity, preventing the development of infections. Intestinal infections develop when pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms enter the intestinal lumen and multiply. The most common pathogens of intestinal infections are Shigella and Salmonella. Vibrio cholerae, clostridia (causing botulism, etc.), Yersinia, and Staphylococcus aureus are detected somewhat less frequently. Culture for pathogenic intestinal flora determines the cause of intestinal infection, and determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics and bacteriophages helps to choose the right therapy.

What are the manifestations of acute intestinal infections?

Symptoms and complaints vary somewhat depending on the causative agent of the infection. When infected with Shigella, the onset of the disease is acute. Cramping pain in the abdomen occurs and the temperature rises. Characterized by frequent, painful urges to defecate, not accompanied by the passage of feces, or feces are separated in small quantities mixed with mucus and blood. Salmonellosis is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of vomiting and diarrhea. The stool may be yellowish or greenish. Pain and rumbling in the abdomen are more pronounced to the right of the navel. All intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting lead to intoxication and dehydration. This is manifested by dry skin and mucous membranes, and in severe cases – loss of body weight.

When is culture for pathogenic intestinal flora prescribed?

The study is prescribed by an infectious disease specialist, therapist or pediatrician if an acute intestinal infection is suspected. In this case, culture with determination of sensitivity to antibiotics and bacteriophages helps to identify the causative microorganism, carry out differential diagnosis with other diseases that have similar symptoms, and select the correct therapy. At the end of treatment, re-sampling of material for culture is required in order to control the destruction of the pathogen.

The analysis is carried out when preparing personal medical records for workers in public spheres (food, healthcare, education, etc.). If bacterial carriage is detected, therapy is carried out aimed at destroying the microorganism, after which the analysis should be retaken.

How is the study carried out, and how to properly prepare for it?

The study is carried out without preliminary preparation. The material for bacteriological culture is fresh feces. It is lifted into a tightly closed sterile container with a spatula. Defecation before this is carried out in a clean vessel or pot. When collecting material, you should not contaminate it with urine and secretions from the genital tract. If there is mucus and pus in the stool, it is advisable to select such fragments of it, since the concentration of the pathogen in them is much higher.

Material can be collected from the rectum with a sterile swab. After inserting the tampon into the anus, perform rotational movements in both directions, and the resulting material is transferred to a sterile container.

How are the results interpreted?

Normally, there should be no growth of pathogenic microorganisms during sowing. If growth is detected, we can talk about an acute intestinal infection or bacterial carriage. Determining sensitivity to antibiotics and bacteriophages in this case will help you choose the right drug for treatment.

If there are few pathogenic bacteria in the stool, the result may be negative. An indirect sign of the presence of pathogens may be a decrease in the growth of normal flora.

The appearance of nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can become harbingers of a serious infectious disease, which can only be detected by UPF analysis. Timely delivery of this test makes it possible not only to avoid serious complications of the disease, but also to protect others from infection.

When is it necessary to test stool for opportunistic flora?

To check the intestines for the presence of disorders, your doctor may prescribe a stool test for opportunistic flora. What kind of analysis this is is usually found out by many people during a medical examination for a medical record. But sometimes, for this analysis, the doctor can start a conversation even if there are certain symptoms indicating the development of a disease provoked by an increase in opportunistic microorganisms.

There are 4 situations in total when a person has to undergo a stool test for opportunistic flora:

• Employment. An employee is required to take a UPF test if he or she is employed at a food company. Also, what kind of analysis this is becomes known to those who undergo examination in connection with employment in an educational or preschool, or medical institution;
• Having contact with a person who has an intestinal infection;
• There are symptoms indicating the likelihood of developing an infectious disease;
• Suspicion of the development of intestinal dysbiosis.

It is worth knowing that a timely stool analysis for opportunistic pathogenic flora can eliminate the likelihood of further development of an infectious disease, and thereby avoid a significant deterioration in health.

When there is an intestinal infection, there are not always obvious symptoms indicating the development of the disease. The person may not feel pain or have problems with bowel movements. But at the same time he becomes a carrier of the disease. And only timely testing for UPF allows in this case to avoid the spread of intestinal infection, which can develop into an epidemic.

When examining stool for opportunistic flora, specialists examine about 20 microbes, some of which have a positive effect on the body, while others are harmful. It should be noted that all existing coccal microbes are classified as conditionally pathogenic flora.

What does UPF reveal?

It is designed to detect elements such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, Klebsiella and other equally dangerous microorganisms. But in addition to harmful microorganisms, it also includes the presence of beneficial bacteria. Particular attention is paid not only to their presence, but also to quantity.

It is worth noting that it is with the help of the UPF that the exact type of bacteria that provokes the development of infection is determined.

Does UPF analysis always show the correct decoding?

It happens that due to some factors, the interpretation of stool analysis becomes incorrect. This can happen for three reasons. So, due to the antibacterial therapy carried out before donating stool, the harmful bacteria present will not be identified, or the error will be in their quantity. Chemotherapy can also cause a false negative result. Therefore, before taking the UPF, you should take a short break; during this period of time, the intestinal microflora will be able to get as close as possible to the actual state.

An incorrect result may also be due to transportation. If within 3 hours after collecting stool, it was not possible to transfer it to the laboratory, then the result may become invalid. Its life can be extended by cooling. To do this, place the container with feces on one of the shelves in the refrigerator. Cannot be placed in the freezer. The maximum shelf life using this method reaches 9 hours.