What characteristics does an abnormal throat culture have?

Abnormal throat culture results

- Growth of potentially pathogenic organism:

- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (if accompanied by sore throat)

- Neisseria gonorrhea

- Neisseria meningitidis

- Corynebacterium diphtheriae

- *Staphylococcus aureus* (if patient has risk factors or symptoms of staph aureus, including purulent drainage)

- Other organisms depending on patient population and clinical context

- Growth of ≥10⁵ CFU/mL:

- Streptococcus pneumoniae**

- Haemophilus influenzae

- Moraxella catarrhalis

(Note: These guidelines apply chiefly to adults; different definitions may apply for neonates and children.)