Final answer:
Laboratory cultures can test for organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Bacteria are commonly identified through morphology, staining, and selective media growth. Safe lab practices are required when handling cultures to minimize the risk of exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Laboratory data can show positive cultures for various types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In microbiology labs, bacterial cultures are often identified by their morphology, staining properties, and growth on selective media. For instance, a pink single bacillus growing on MacConkey Agar that is catalase positive suggests a Gram-negative bacteria.
Several microbiological media and culturing techniques such as streak plates and the use of specific microbiological cultures are utilized to isolate and identify bacteria. These can include Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Similarly, fungi like Candida can be cultured, though it is part of the normal microbiota, requiring careful diagnostic testing to confirm overgrowth typical of infections like vaginal candidiasis.
Specific practices and safety levels (BSL-1 and BSL-2) are observed when handling bacterial cultures to minimize risks. Morphological evaluation of isolates can be critical to differentiate between bacilli and identify the specific genus and species.