Afb Mtb - Rifabutin Antibiogram Infected Tissue

This test is used to test the sensitivity of the acid-fast bacilli (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) against certain types of antibiotic medicines. This test is useful in adjusting and providing effective treatment for individuals suffering from tuberculosis. This test can also be done to check whether the bacteria has developed any resistance towards the medicine or not.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis MTB. Generally, TB affects the lungs and sometimes it can also affect other organs and parts of the body. The disease can spread through the air from one person to another if exposed to cough, sneeze from the individual. Individuals who are suffering from TB experience symptoms such as cough which lasts more than 2-3 weeks, cough with blood, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, night sweats, etc.

What is antibiogram?

An antibiogram is an overall profile of the target bacteria or any disease-causing organism against the antimicrobial medicines. The test is useful in checking whether the bacteria has developed any resistance towards the treatment and can also be used for testing the effectiveness of the antimicrobial medicines used for the treatment.

What is Rifabutin?

Rifabutin is used for the treatment of tuberculosis. This medicine is recommended for individuals who are suffering from tuberculosis along with HIV. This medicine works by preventing the formation of essential DNA components within the bacteria causing cell death.

Why this test is recommended?

This test is performed to check the sensitivity of antibiotics towards tuberculosis bacteria in a tissue sample of an individual. The doctor may advise this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, joint pains, long-lasting cough, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, fever, abdominal distension, etc.

If you are on treatment for tuberculosis, then the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and to check whether the bacterium has infected other internal organs or has developed resistance to TB drugs. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis and to modify the treatments if necessary.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, health conditions, and other factors.

Negative test results indicate that the medicine is not effective in treating the infection or the bacteria has developed resistance towards the particular medicine.

Positive test results indicate that the bacteria is sensitive towards the medicine and the medicine is effective in killing the bacteria. Based on the test results your doctor will suggest you the appropriate treatments and dose adjustments.