MICROBIAL SENSITIVITY TESTS Meaning and
Definition
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests, also known as antimicrobial susceptibility tests or antibiotic susceptibility tests, are laboratory tests performed to determine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents against specific microorganisms causing an infection. This testing involves culturing the microorganism in a controlled environment and exposing it to different antibiotics or antimicrobial agents to observe its response.
The primary objective of microbial sensitivity testing is to guide healthcare professionals in selecting the most appropriate antibiotic or treatment option to effectively combat the infection caused by the specific microorganism. It provides valuable information on which antibiotics are most effective in killing or inhibiting the growth of a particular organism, helping to tailor the treatment and minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Common methods for performing microbial sensitivity tests include the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the broth dilution method. In the Kirby-Bauer method, antibiotic-soaked paper disks are placed on a culture medium containing the test organism. The zone of inhibition around each disk is measured to determine the susceptibility of the microorganism to the antibiotic. The broth dilution method involves exposing the microorganism to a series of dilutions of the antibiotic in a liquid growth medium, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is determined as the lowest concentration of the drug that inhibits growth.
Microbial sensitivity testing plays a crucial role in guiding the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents, preventing unnecessary antibiotic use, and combating emerging antibiotic resistance. It aids healthcare professionals in making informed decisions regarding the selection and dosage of antibiotics, leading to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes.
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