Mycobacterial Susceptibility

Mycobacterium is a class of bacteria with high pathogenic activity. Knowing their vulnerability is vital to correct diagnosis and therapy. 

Let’s explain what that means and how vital testing is in containing these infections.”

What Is Antibiotic Sensitivity?

Mycobacterial susceptibility is the susceptibility of mycobacteria to antibiotics. Some strains are drug-sensitive and can be treated effectively, while others are drug-resistant and can make treatment more complex.

Appropriate susceptibility testing will enable physicians to identify the right medicine for each type of infection. Routine blood tests (a standard complete blood count) can reveal other infections that impact the individual’s health in general. Early detection can help the individual avoid further disease.

Importance of Culture & Sensitivity Testing

Not all mycobacteria react to antibiotics in the same way. Others, such as drug-resistant TB, require specific treatments. Susceptibility testing helps those patients receive the right drugs to improve their chances of getting well and to avoid transmission of resistant strains.

A pre-employment medical exam is important to identify infections that could affect your work and health for a long time.

How Is the Susceptibility of Mycobacteria Tested?

Susceptibility is tested using different approaches, including:

Agar Disk Diffusion Method

This method helps grow the bacteria in the lab and check how they respond to various antibiotics.

Disc Diffusion Assays (Kirby Bauer Method)

The Kirby Bauer test is one of the most common methods to determine antibiotic resistance. It employs antibiotic discs on an agar plate and assesses the zone of inhibition surrounding every disc.

Broth Microdilution Method

This method is more quantitative and helpful in determining an antibiotic’s minimum concentration that inhibits bacterial growth.

Antibiogram Test

This test will give a report showing the bacteria and their sensitivity towards the different antibiotics.

Diagnosis

Each method contributes to accurate and timely diagnosis. Some tests, such as a creatinine test (to check your kidney function), may also be recommended, particularly when treating for some time with antibiotics.

Factors Affecting Mycobacterial Resistance to Antibiotics

Mycobacteria react to antibiotics due to a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic mutation: Some bacteria evolve to become naturally resistant over time.
• Prior Treatment: Misdosing and incomplete antibiotic treatment lead to resistance.
• Immune System Response: The resistant strain can thrive if your immune system is weak.

Regular health screenings, such as an executive check-up, can help monitor your immune health and spot potential infections sooner.

FAQs

What is the cause of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease?

Some of the most common monogenic causes of susceptibility are defects in genes that encode the components of specialized biological pathways that are essential to respond to various pathogenic microbes, often referred to as Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease.

How long does it take to grow mycobacterial cultures?

Mycobacteria grow slowly. It can take time to manifest in lab cultures (Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex takes 2–6 weeks, and some non-tuberculous mycobacterial species can take more than 6 weeks).

What is the most sensitive test to diagnose mycobacterial infection?

The most sensitive detection of mycobacterial infections is through molecular testing (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR]). Results come back more quickly and accurately than with traditional culture tests.

Manage Your Health with Medi Linx

Good mycobacterial susceptibility testing can mean the difference between effective and unsuccessful treatment. Know your health, and rely on Medi Linx, your perfect find for “Diagnostic Laboratory Near Me.” We’ve got everything you need. You can start with the first step today by getting yourself tested!