Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for Research; Obtaining Adequate Sample Yield
Published on: March 24, 2014
[Anaerobic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) after thoracic surgery]
Abstract:
Purpose of this study was to find out what kind of anaerobic bacteria were in lower respiratory tract and how often they were present there considering patients after thoracic surgery. Also, what is susceptibility of bacteria to antibiotics. Research covered 30 patients after operation. Material for research was bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) taken during bronchoscopy. Collected sample was cultivated in anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 28 samples (93%). Totally there were 100 anaerobic bacteria strains. The most common Gram-negative rods were from genus Prevotella (24 strains, 24%) and Bacteroides (15 strains, 15%). Gram-negative bacteria except Bacteroides characterised biggest susceptibility to imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin, clindamycin and metronidazol. Bacteroides were susceptible to imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam and metronidazol. Among Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria mostly were isolated from cocci Peptostreptococcus (18 strains, 18%) and were susceptible to all antibiotics. Gram-positive rods were in most cases represented by Actinomyces (12 strains 12%) and were highly susceptible to all antibacterial means except metronidazol (100% is resistant).
Related Concept Videos
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...