How is bacterial infection diagnosed

It's generally not necessary to treat an infected woman's male sexual partner, but bacterial vaginosis can spread between female sexual partners. Female partners should seek testing and may need treatment. It's especially important for pregnant women with symptoms to be treated to help decrease the risk of premature delivery or low birth weight. Take your medicine or use the cream or gel for as long as your doctor prescribes it — even if your symptoms go away.

Stopping treatment early may increase the risk of recurrence. It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy. A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.

While current research shows there may be some benefit to probiotic therapy, more research is needed on the subject. Try to schedule your appointment on a day when you don't have your period. That way, your primary care doctor or gynecologist can observe and evaluate your vaginal discharge without menstrual discharge getting in the way. Avoid using tampons and vaginal deodorant sprays, and don't douche or have sex for 24 hours before your appointment.

To make the best use of your time with your doctor and prevent you from forgetting an important question:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. But remember most children these days thanks to vaccines that prevent most serious secondary bacterial infections will have viruses that take supportive care only. Duke Header Image Link. Stories and news about treatment advances that improve your health and quality of life.

Viral Infections. Bacterial Infections. Bacterial infections may be the result of "secondary infection" meaning that the virus initiated the process but a bacteria followed when the: Symptoms persist longer than the expected days a virus tends to last Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving Sinusitis, ear infections, and pneumonias are common examples of secondary infections.

Diagnosing Bacterial Infection. Whether the infection turns out to be caused by virus or bacteria, you should watch your child for any of the following signs and bring them to medical attention if they develop: Dehydration, demonstrated by decreased fluid intake; urination less than three times in 24 hours; or decreased tears with crying Increased work of breathing including fast breathing, nostril flaring, use of rib, stomach, or neck muscles to breathe Markedly decreased activity or responsiveness No improvement over a three - to five-day period All children under three months of age with a fever Children who are around other children will have more frequent infections.

Share: Facebook Twitter. Ready for an appointment? Doctors Featured in this Article. Featured Doctors Images. Related Doctors. Why antibiotics aren't always the answer. January 08, How to Fight the Flu. December 10, Water Is the Healthiest Option. If enough bacteria is found in your sample, it likely means you have a bacterial infection. Your health care provider may order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis or determine the severity of the infection.

Your provider may also order a "susceptibility test" on your sample. A susceptibility test is used to help determine which antibiotic will be most effective in treating your infection. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

Antibiotic resistance allows harmful bacteria to change in a way makes antibiotics less effective or not effective at all. This can be dangerous to you and to the community at large, as this bacteria can be spread to others.

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Bacteria Culture Test.

What is a bacteria culture test? What is it used for? Throat Culture Used to diagnose or rule out strep throat Test procedure: Your health care provider will insert a special swab into your mouth to take a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils.

Urine Culture Used to diagnose a urinary tract infection and identify the bacteria causing the infection Test procedure: You will provide a sterile sample of urine in a cup, as instructed by your health care provider. Sputum Culture Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It is different from spit or saliva. Used to help diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract. These include bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis. Test procedure: You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup as instructed by your provider; or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.