Microbial Sensitivity Test, also known as antimicrobial susceptibility testing or antibiotic susceptibility testing, is a laboratory procedure performed to determine the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and sometimes viruses. The test is conducted to guide the clinician in selecting appropriate antibiotics for the treatment of infections.
The purpose of a microbial sensitivity test is to evaluate how sensitive or resistant a microorganism is to specific antibiotics or antifungal drugs. It helps healthcare professionals choose the appropriate antimicrobial treatment by determining which drugs are most likely to be effective against the specific bacterial strain causing the infection.
The test is performed by exposing the microorganism to various concentrations of antibiotics and measuring the extent to which the drugs inhibit or kill the microorganism. Results are then interpreted as sensitive (the microorganism is susceptible to the antibiotic), intermediate (limited response to the antibiotic), or resistant (the microorganism is not affected by the antibiotic).
Different techniques are available to conduct microbial sensitivity tests, including the disc diffusion method, the broth dilution method, and the E-test. The results obtained from these tests help guide physicians in prescribing the most appropriate antibiotics, ensuring effective treatment while minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance development.
Microbial sensitivity testing plays a crucial role in clinical microbiology, contributing to the rational use of antimicrobial agents and the prevention and control of infectious diseases.
