Medical Microbiology

Fungi and parasite identification tests are performed daily, which also serves to boost our extensive experience. Our cooperation with the Molecular Diagnostics team allows us to identify even challenging and atypical isolates within a very short time with the help of 16S rDNA sequencing. Resistance testing is a key part of our work and is based on the latest EUCAST guidelines. We offer clinically relevant antibiograms for both inpatients and outpatients, which we supplement by also measuring minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) where necessary.

Range of analyses

Conventional, cultural bacteriology and mycology

• General bacteriology from a range of samples, including cerebrospinal fluid, tissue samples and punctures
• Mycoplasma/ureaplasma
• Detection of specific bacteria according to the indication, e.g. culture of Helicobacter pylori with resistance testing
• Fungi (yeasts and moulds, including dermatophytes)

Detection of antigens

• Clostridium difficile and toxin test (stool)
• Legionella pneumophila (urine)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (urine)
• Rota- and adenovirus (stool)

Microscopy

• Ectoparasites
• Protozoa, helminths
• Urine and stool status

Pathogens detected by means of molecular biology

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Urea- and mycoplasma
• Chlamydia
• Legionella
• Bordetella

Mycobacteria cultures and antibiograms are performed at the National Reference Center for Mycobacteria (NRC).

Resistance testing

The indication for resistance testing is based on the type and significance of an isolate. Whether resistance testing is possible from a technical perspective is primarily determined by the isolate. If the test can be performed, the result can be categorised as resistant (R), intermediate (I) or sensitive (S) if interpretation guidelines are available.

We categorise our results in line with the standards issued by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and,

in individual cases, we refer to the American CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, previously known as NCCLS), information from literature or data provided by the antibiotics manufacturers.

The needs of both outpatients and inpatients were considered in the selection of the tested substances. In addition to the typical representatives of important substance groups for the detection of resistance phenotypes, oral antibiotics are preferred. EUCAST recommendations and the availability of the preparations on the Swiss market are further selection criteria.