Afb Mtb - Streptomycin Broth Dilution Infected Tissue

This test is used to test the sensitivity of the acid-fast bacilli (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) against the antibiotic medicines used for the treatment of tuberculosis. 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 Tuberculosis?

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.

The bacteria can infect other internal organs in Individuals with a decreased immune system. The occurrence of tubercular infection apart from lungs may occur in up to 30% of individuals and is called Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, this may occur in internal organs like kidneys, genital organs, skin, joints, bones, membranes of the heart, abdominal wall, etc. The tubercular infection in genital organs like the fallopian tubes, endometrium, cervix, vagina, etc.may affect fertility in women.

What is the broth dilution method?

This is a type of laboratory procedure used to test the sensitivity of the bacteria towards specific antibiotics and antibiotic combinations. A standardized concentration of bacterial culture is tested against nutrient media containing different concentrations or combinations of antibiotics to know the effective combination or concentration in which the antibacterial activity is the highest.

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.