🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Sensitivity Test for Ofloxacin determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are resistant or susceptible to ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used in the treatment of drug-resistant TB and NTM infections.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → Bacteria respond to ofloxacin (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → Bacteria do not respond to ofloxacin (alternative treatment required).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; dose adjustment or an alternative drug may be needed.
(Exact values may vary based on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Determines if ofloxacin can be used for treating TB or NTM infections
✅ Helps guide treatment for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB)
✅ Prevents ineffective antibiotic use and further resistance development
✅ Assists doctors in customizing antibiotic therapy based on drug susceptibility
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with MDR-TB or XDR-TB
🔹 Individuals with TB not responding to first-line antibiotics
🔹 People with NTM infections requiring second-line antibiotics
🔹 To determine the most effective antibiotic for TB treatment
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured in a lab and tested against ofloxacin.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of TB bacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Ofloxacin can be used as part of the TB treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative second-line antibiotics should be considered.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Medical-themed color scheme (blue, red, and white)
Illustration of TB bacteria with an antibiotic resistance test diagram
Clear and simple chart for result interpretation (S, R, I)