Effects of inoculum, delayed loading, and storage temperature of blood culture bottles on the detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei in blood culture is critical to prompt appropriate treatment. Various factors may affect culture positivity. This study evaluated effects of various inocula (0.2-100 CFU/mL), delayed bottle loading periods (12-48 h), and storage temperatures (ambient, 4 and 35 degrees C) for the detection of B. pseudomallei by the BacT/ALERT system. The results suggested that bottles may be preincubated at 35 degrees C for up to 12 h, or held at ambient temperature for up to 24 h, or refrigerated at 4 degrees C for up to 48 h.