Results: streak plate method and pure cultures

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Website: https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/advan.00167.2018?rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org 

Dr. Spencer: Well-done, you have isolated pure, single colonies! Now that we've isolated single colonies, what's our next step in studying these to identify the causative pathogen(s)?

Sam: First, we should observe the colonies themselves. We need to pay attention to characteristics like shape, size, color, and texture. These morphological traits can provide us with initial identification clues.

You: Absolutely, Sam. Observing the colony morphology may help us differentiate various bacterial types, even before performing other tests. 

Dr. Spencer: Good. After colony morphology, what about their cellular characteristics?

Sam: Next, we move to microscopy. We'll prepare either wet mounts or fixed smears to examine our bacterial cells under the microscope. This will allow us to see if they are rod-shaped or spherical.

You: We could then proceed with Gram staining the samples. It's a quick and effective way to differentiate bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative categories.

Sam: Right, and that classification gives us a solid direction on narrowing down our potential pathogen candidates. Selective and differential media can also be used to further our study.

You: Precisely, and finally, after identification, conducting antibiotic susceptibility tests can determine the best treatment approach for the patient.

Dr. Spencer: Excellent summary. In this way, we can identify the pathogen(s) and tailor effective interventions.