[Quantitative determination in the culture examination of the sputum]

1448 sputa specimens were examined by a quantitative research: they were fluidified with dithiothreitol and subsequently serially diluted; was also performed a microscopic examination in order to notice the presence of leukocytes. If we consider as significant a microbic concentration greater than or equal to 10(7)/ml, the 61.5% for specimens presented a saprophytic flora, the 15.1% was included from 10(5) to 10(6)/ml and the 23.3% had a concentration greater than 10(7)/ml. The sputa with a concentration greater than or equal to 10(7)/ml had a prevalence of Pneumococcus, Haemophilus and Pseudomonas, often in pure culture. The authors emphasize the importance of quantitative assay in sputum's culture and at the same time of cytologic examination.