Drug Sensitivity Testing: Once bacterial growth is detected, the bacteria are exposed to five second-line anti-TB drugs (Amikacin, Kanamycin, Capreomycin, Ofloxacin, and Ethionamide) to determine their sensitivity.
Understanding AFB 5 Drug Sensitivity (Second Line) for Bactec
What It Is: AFB 5 Drug Sensitivity (Second Line) for Bactec is a diagnostic test used to determine the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to five second-line anti-TB drugs. This test is crucial for patients who have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB), as it helps guide the appropriate treatment regimen.
Why It's Done:
Guiding Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB: The primary purpose of this test is to identify which second-line anti-TB drugs are effective against the TB bacteria in a patient's sample.
Personalized Therapy: Helps tailor the treatment plan to the specific drug sensitivities of the TB bacteria, improving treatment outcomes for drug-resistant TB.
Sample Types:
Sputum: Most commonly used sample for TB testing.
Blood: To detect TB bacteria in the bloodstream.
Urine: To identify TB bacteria in the urinary tract.
Fluid: To test for TB in other bodily fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid or pleural fluid.
Pus: To identify TB bacteria in pus from abscesses or wounds.
How the Test Works:
Sample Collection: A sample, such as sputum, blood, urine, fluid, or pus, is collected from the patient.
Inoculation: The sample is inoculated into a Bactec MGIT tube containing a liquid medium that supports the growth of mycobacteria.
Incubation: The tube is placed in a Bactec MGIT instrument, which continuously monitors the sample for bacterial growth.
Drug Sensitivity Testing: Once bacterial growth is detected, the bacteria are exposed to five second-line anti-TB drugs (Amikacin, Kanamycin, Capreomycin, Ofloxacin, and Ethionamide) to determine their sensitivity.
Detection: The instrument measures the response of the bacteria to each drug, indicating which drugs are effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.
Understanding the Results:
Sensitive: The TB bacteria are inhibited by the drug, indicating that the drug is effective for treatment.
Resistant: The TB bacteria are not inhibited by the drug, indicating resistance and the need for alternative treatment options.
Why Your Doctor Might Order This Test:
Diagnosing Drug-Resistant TB: To identify drug-resistant strains of TB, which require different treatment approaches.
Monitoring Treatment: For patients undergoing TB treatment, this test helps monitor the effectiveness of the drugs being used.
Personalized Therapy: To tailor the treatment plan based on the drug sensitivities of the TB bacteria.