🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sensitivity Test for Ethionamide determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is susceptible or resistant to ethionamide, a second-line antibiotic used in treating drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB & XDR-TB).**
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → TB bacteria respond to ethionamide (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → TB bacteria do not respond to ethionamide (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; dose adjustment or alternative therapy may be necessary.
(Results may vary based on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if ethionamide is effective in treating TB infections
✅ Helps identify drug-resistant tuberculosis (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 diagnosed with MDR-TB or XDR-TB
🔹 Individuals with TB not responding to first-line antibiotics
🔹 Patients with a history of TB treatment failure or relapse
🔹 To ensure the most effective antibiotic regimen for TB treatment
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured and tested against ethionamide.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of TB bacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Ethionamide can be used as part of TB 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
Clear and simple table for result interpretation (S, R, I)