[Practical importance of quantitative bacteriology in pneumology. Preliminary studies]

Some ascertained the utility of the quantitative bacteriology in pneumology especially for the diagnosis of acute bronchopulmonary infections. Miles and Mizra technique lightly changed as analytically here described is suitable for counts of viable bacteria in sputum after liquefaction by N-acetyl-l-cisteine. Some researches prove that the technique is convenient for the control of chronic bronchopulmonary infections too with some restrictions. Quantitative tests are important to ascertain aetiological function of the bacteria in sputum and in bronchial secretions. Particularly 10(7)-10(9) coliforms per ml of sputum are likely pathogenic. The observation of the early quantitative changes of bacteria in sputum during antibiotic treatments is suitable for in vivo tests of microbial sensitivity to drugs and is preferable to the usual in vitro antibiograms.