Enteric Bacteriology

The MSPHL will confirm known, or suspect, isolates that cause diseases and conditions which are delegated reportable in Missouri. Isolates or screened positive specimens pertaining to these conditions must be submitted to the MSPHL for epidemiological or confirmation purposes. Refer to page 11-12 within 19 CSR 20-20.080 “Duties of Laboratories” for a list of those pathogens that are included.

Microbiology

Identification of Salmonella, Shigella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) by phenotypic and molecular methods.  Other enteric organisms can be identified with prior approval.

Kits can be ordered from the MSPHL.  Collection kit includes a double wall mailer, label and instructions on specimen collection.   Specimen submission forms can be printed from this website.

Please transport the cultures in the proper double wall mailer.  Please transport raw stool in appropriate transport medium with a cold pack.  Temperature acceptability requirements must be met per CLIA regulations.

Acceptable specimens for Enteric Bacteriology are inoculated pure culture slants (no plates), raw stool specimens in appropriate transport medium and Shiga toxin-positive enrichment broths. City and/or County Health Departments should only submit raw stool specimens in appropriate transport medium unless there are special circumstances when previous approval has been obtained.

Microbiology Test Request Form

Identification to the genus, species, and serotype level.

The following conditions are considered unsatisfactory for testing (list not all inclusive):
Specimen is not labeled with two patient’s identifiers such as name and date of birth
No growth on any of media used for testing
Specimen is mixed
Specimen transport temperature requirements are out of range per CLIA guidelines

N/A

Most cultures can be reported the day after they are received; however, some cultures could take as long as three days to report. Raw stool specimens can be reported anywhere from two to four days after being received.

N/A

N/A

N/A

Some additional tests are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. Authorization must be made through the State Public Health Laboratory prior to submission of specimens.

Assistance in Bacterial Outbreak Situations

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Public Health Laboratory are available to assist in bacterial outbreak situations. Additional tests that may not be routinely offered may be made available during special circumstances, relating to public health concerns. This may include gastrointestinal outbreaks/foodborne outbreaks of more unusual pathogens.