Antibiotic sensitivity test
Purpose
- This test is used to check the effectiveness of a drug against bacteria.
 - It is used to check the susceptibility/ sensitivity of bacterium against antibiotic therapy.
 - This test is used to select the best antibiotic to avoid resistance.
 
Intrinsic resistance
When we administer a drug (narrow spectrum) that is effective against gram-positive bacteria and the causative agent that is present is gram-negative or when we administer a drug (narrow spectrum) that is effective against gram-negative bacteria and the causative agent that is present is gram-positive then the drug is ineffective against them. This is called intrinsic resistance.Acquired resistance
When we administer a low dose of a drug, it does not harm bacteria and causes bacteria to undergo mutation. Then bacteria become resistant to that drug. This is called acquired resistance.Antibiotic sensitivity/susceptibility
The response of bacteria to a drug is called antibiotic sensitivity. Antibiotics must be given for 5-7 days.Material
- Petri dish
 - Nutrient agar
 - Culture broth
 - Antibiotic disc
 - Incubator
 
- Swab streaking method or Kirby-Bauer method
 - Test tube method; pour 1 ml liquid and 0.2 ml culture in a test tube.
 
Kirby-Bauer method
It is named after the name of two scientists who discovers it in 1950. This test is standardized in 1961.Procedure
- Take a petri dish containing 1 ml agar and 0.2 ml culture.
 - Place the antibiotic disc in it with the help of a dispenser or sterilized forceps. We can place up to 8 discs in one petri dish.
 - Incubate at 370 C for 24-48 hours.
 
Result
Qualitative
The clear zone around disc indicates that bacteria are sensitive to that drug or drug is effective against that specific bacteria; Test is positiveQuantitative
Measure the diameter of the clear zone from the mid and compare with standard chart e.g., for methicilin.
Resistant 
 | 
  
Intermediate
  sensitive 
(Response
  is there but it is not sensitive) 
 | 
  
Susceptible 
 | 
 
Size of clear zone > 12 mm 
 | 
  
Size of clear zone > 13-14 mm 
 | 
  
Size of clear zone > 15 mm 
 | 
 

Comments
Post a Comment