ABSTRACT
Examination for ova, cysts and parasites is usually performed routinely. The organisms most commonly found in food poisoning are those of the salmonella group, such as Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis. Food poisoning is also commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, which produce an exotoxin. Occasionally, Clostridium perfringens and, rarely, Clostridium botulinum may be the causative organisms. Listeriosis transmission is via contaminated food, especially soft cheese, unpasteurised dairy products, chicken and pre-packed salads. Infection is mainly seen in the very young, the very old, pregnant women and the immunocompromised. The high vaginal swab is not good at detecting gonococcus but may detect trichomonas, candida and bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a change in vaginal flora. It is a vaginal infection caused by a mixed group of organisms including Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis and anaerobic organisms. Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis.
