Diagnosis of bacterial infections. Part 1: Principles of sample collection and transportation

Bacterial infections are common in equine practice, therefore it is important that diseases caused by these organisms are diagnosed accurately. Collection of appropriate samples in a correct and timely manner is fundamental to determining the causative agent. Furthermore, transportation of samples to the laboratory must ensure that the agents survive and can be identified. This paper outlines a recommended diagnostic approach when bacteria are suspected, the samples that may be obtained in order to confirm their presence, and the transportation requirements to facilitate their isolation in diagnostic laboratories.