🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sensitivity Test for Ethambutol determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is susceptible or resistant to ethambutol, a first-line antibiotic used in tuberculosis (TB) treatment.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to ethambutol (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to ethambutol (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; dose adjustment or alternative therapy may be required.
(Results may vary based on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if ethambutol can be used to treat TB
✅ Helps detect drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and further resistance
✅ Aids in customizing TB treatment plans for better outcomes
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients newly diagnosed with tuberculosis
🔹 Individuals not responding to standard TB treatment
🔹 Patients at risk for drug-resistant TB (previous TB treatment, exposure to MDR-TB cases)
🔹 To optimize treatment and prevent further resistance spread
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured in a lab and tested against ethambutol.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of TB bacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Ethambutol can be used as part of TB treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative first-line or 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)