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Sputum showed moderate gram positive cocci

Posted by vickied @vickied, Aug 8 4:16am

Sputum sample showed moderate gram positive cocci. Has anyone had this and what type of treatment did you receive. I am waiting for a consult from an Infectious Disease doctor. I have had a low grade fever for over a month, bronchiectasis flare, three different antibiotics, tired and exhausted.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 8 10:00am

@vickied "Gram positive cocci" refers to bacteria which are rod-shaped (cocci) and stain purple (gram positive) in the lab on a slide.
Examples of this bacteria as enterococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus. Your doctor has probably tried the three most usually effective broad-spectrum antibiotics, so it is a good time for an ID doc consult to figure out exactly which bacteria you have, and what drug(s) it is sensitive to.

I am waiting for a test result myself, to see if the staphylococcus that keeps attacking every cut or wound on my skin is also in my lungs. They will also be testing for pseudomonas.

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2 replies
vickied | @vickied | Aug 8 12:21pm

I just got a message from my primary that the ID told her considering the large amount of bacteria it needs to be treated. She is looking into a ceftriaxone type of drug. I have some issues with several antibiotics. I was told this is staphylococcus. Thank you and I hope they find what it is in your lungs.

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cwal | @cwal | Aug 9 5:31am
In reply to @sueinmn "@vickied "Gram positive cocci" refers to bacteria which are rod-shaped (cocci) and stain purple (gram positive)..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@vickied "Gram positive cocci" refers to bacteria which are rod-shaped (cocci) and stain purple (gram positive) in the lab on a slide.
Examples of this bacteria as enterococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus. Your doctor has probably tried the three most usually effective broad-spectrum antibiotics, so it is a good time for an ID doc consult to figure out exactly which bacteria you have, and what drug(s) it is sensitive to.

I am waiting for a test result myself, to see if the staphylococcus that keeps attacking every cut or wound on my skin is also in my lungs. They will also be testing for pseudomonas.

Jump to this post

Did you know there is a specific test for Pseudomonas? I thought the regular Respiratory culture was used. Apparently there is one used for CF patients called CF Pulmonary culture that is more specific.

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vickied | @vickied | Aug 9 9:13am

I was lucky to be able to deliver a good sputum sample. First time I was able to do that. My problem is I don't have a doctor right now. I have a primary, NP. I have an appt. next week with a new doctor who I am hoping is vigilant.

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nana43 | @nana43 | Aug 10 5:51am
In reply to @sueinmn "@vickied "Gram positive cocci" refers to bacteria which are rod-shaped (cocci) and stain purple (gram positive)..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@vickied "Gram positive cocci" refers to bacteria which are rod-shaped (cocci) and stain purple (gram positive) in the lab on a slide.
Examples of this bacteria as enterococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus. Your doctor has probably tried the three most usually effective broad-spectrum antibiotics, so it is a good time for an ID doc consult to figure out exactly which bacteria you have, and what drug(s) it is sensitive to.

I am waiting for a test result myself, to see if the staphylococcus that keeps attacking every cut or wound on my skin is also in my lungs. They will also be testing for pseudomonas.

Jump to this post

Hi Sue!
I am so glad this subject came up! I have difficulty producing sputum, so I have only been able to supply 2 “testable” specimens this year but they both showed many gram positive cocci and moderate gram negative rods. My pulmonologist said no sign of MAC so I was good. Should I seek out an ID doc?
I mean, I don’t need any more lung trouble!!
Thanks for your help! Dee

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 10 1:14pm
In reply to @nana43 "Hi Sue! I am so glad this subject came up! I have difficulty producing sputum, so..." + (show)
@nana43

Hi Sue!
I am so glad this subject came up! I have difficulty producing sputum, so I have only been able to supply 2 “testable” specimens this year but they both showed many gram positive cocci and moderate gram negative rods. My pulmonologist said no sign of MAC so I was good. Should I seek out an ID doc?
I mean, I don’t need any more lung trouble!!
Thanks for your help! Dee

Jump to this post

Hello Dee, I would take a deep breath and not worry unless you are ill. Staph and Strep are normally found in our bodies.

Mine is only of concern at this point because every time I have an open wound, even a surgical wound that I cared for carefully, I develop a staph infection that takes a long time to cure. It's not in my nose, so my primary is concerned that it is colonized in my lungs. Since I will leave soon for 6 months, they want to be sure I won't have to deal with an unknown in a less than wonderful health system where I winter or as we travel.

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