🔬 What is the Test?
The Acid Fast Susceptibility - 5 Drugs, L-J Test is used to determine whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is resistant or susceptible to five key anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs. This test is conducted using the Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) solid culture medium, which supports the slow growth of TB bacteria for detailed drug resistance testing.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S): No bacterial growth in the presence of the drug → The infection can be treated with the antibiotic.
Resistant (R): Bacteria continue to grow despite the drug → Indicates drug resistance, requiring alternative treatments.
🩺 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Detects drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB)
✅ Guides treatment decisions by identifying effective drugs
✅ Helps diagnose Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) or Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB)
✅ Monitors TB resistance patterns for public health control
🧪 When is it Recommended?
🔹 For TB patients who do not respond to standard treatment
🔹 If there is suspicion of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
🔹 In previously treated TB cases to check for resistance
🔹 To determine the best antibiotic for TB treatment
📝 How is the Test Done?
1️⃣ Sputum or other body fluid sample is collected
2️⃣ Sample is cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) medium
3️⃣ The bacteria are exposed to 5 different anti-TB drugs
4️⃣ Results show whether the TB bacteria are resistant (R) or susceptible (S) to each drug
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📈 Resistant to one or more drugs:
Standard TB treatment may not work → Alternative medications are required.
📈 Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB):
Resistance to Rifampicin & Isoniazid (two primary TB drugs).
📈 Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB):
Resistance to first-line TB drugs + some second-line drugs (e.g., fluoroquinolones).
📌 Infographic Design Ideas:
✔ Medical color scheme (blue, green, and white)
✔ Illustration of TB bacteria and Löwenstein-Jensen culture process
✔ Table listing the 5 tested drugs and their possible results (S/R)
✔ Flowchart explaining the impact of TB drug resistance on treatment