The core services provided by the UK Anaerobe Reference Unit are:
Pure isolates/cultures of anaerobic bacteria and putative Actinomyces spp. may be referred for identification by molecular and conventional methods.
These include phenotypic biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF MS & DNA sequencing.
Susceptibility testing of clinically relevant anaerobes including confirmation of unusual resistance phenotypes is performed via agar dilution (AD). A panel of antimicrobials is routinely tested which includes ceftriaxone, co-amoxiclav, clindamycin, meropenem, metronidazole, piperacillin-tazobactam, penicillin, vancomycin, doxycycline and rifampicin. Testing for other antimicrobials is available on request. Anaerobes not suitable for AD will be tested by gradient strip (GS)
Faeces may be submitted from patients within Wales for WGS typing. For patients outside of Wales please contact us for advice on how we can support your request before submission.