Fecal Gram Stain

Indications for performing this test:  Gram-staining and examination of the feces is indicated in cases where the patient shows signs of intestinal infection.  Because most enteric microbes are anaerobes, culturing can be difficult and time-consuming.  Thus, feces may be stained and examined instead to increase diagnostic yield and reduce time and expense.  One group of organisms detectable through the gram-staining of the feces are the Clostridia.  An overwhelming predominance of Gram-positive bacilli in the fecal sample of a horse with signs compatible with Clostridial colitis is usually indicative of a Clostridial infection.  

Yeast found in a  gram stain of bird feces.


References: