🦠 What is the Test?
The AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli) Susceptibility Test for Amikacin determines whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are resistant or susceptible to amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat drug-resistant TB and NTM infections.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S) → The bacteria respond to amikacin (effective treatment).
Resistant (R) → The bacteria do not respond to amikacin (alternative treatment needed).
Intermediate (I) → Partial response; higher dose or an alternative drug may be necessary.
(Results may vary based on laboratory testing methods.)
🎯 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Helps determine if amikacin is effective in treating TB or NTM infections
✅ Guides 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 for TB and NTM infections
🩺 When is it Recommended?
🔹 Patients with MDR-TB or XDR-TB
🔹 People with TB or NTM infections not responding to first-line antibiotics
🔹 High-risk patients with prior TB treatment or immunocompromised conditions
🔹 To optimize treatment and prevent further antibiotic resistance
📝 How is the Test Done?
A sputum, tissue, or body fluid sample is collected.
The bacteria are cultured in a lab and tested against amikacin.
Results may take several weeks due to the slow growth of TB bacteria.
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📉 Susceptible (S) → Amikacin can be used as part of the treatment.
📈 Resistant (R) → Alternative second-line antibiotics should be considered.
🔍 Infographic Design Idea:
Blue and red medical-themed colors
TB bacteria illustration with an antibiotic test diagram
Simple chart for result interpretation (S, R, I)