🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sensitivity Test for Clofazimine determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are susceptible or resistant to clofazimine, an antibiotic used in treating drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) and leprosy.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to clofazimine (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to clofazimine (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; dose adjustment or alternative therapy may be necessary.
(Results may vary depending on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if clofazimine is effective for treating TB or NTM infections
✅ Helps detect drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and further drug resistance
✅ Aids in customizing TB and NTM treatment regimens
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with MDR-TB or XDR-TB
🔹 Individuals with NTM infections resistant to other antibiotics
🔹 Patients not responding to standard TB treatments
🔹 To determine the best antibiotic regimen for complex mycobacterial infections
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured and tested against clofazimine.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of mycobacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Clofazimine can be used as part of TB or NTM treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative second-line antibiotics should be considered.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Medical-themed colors (blue, red, and white)
Illustration of TB bacteria with an antibiotic resistance test chart
Simple table for result interpretation (S, R, I)