🔬 What is the Test?
The Acid Fast Susceptibility - 10 Drugs, L-J Test is performed to determine whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB bacteria) is resistant or susceptible to 10 anti-TB drugs. This test helps in detecting Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases. It is conducted using the Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) solid culture medium, a traditional and reliable method for TB susceptibility testing.
📊 Normal Ranges:
Susceptible (S): No bacterial growth in the presence of the drug → The drug is effective.
Resistant (R): Bacteria continue to grow despite the drug → The drug is ineffective.
🩺 Purpose of the Test:
✅ Identifies drug-resistant TB strains (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
✅ Helps in selecting the most effective TB treatment
✅ Guides doctors in modifying therapy if resistance is detected
✅ Supports public health efforts to track TB resistance patterns
🧪 When is it Recommended?
🔹 If TB does not respond to standard first-line treatment
🔹 For high-risk individuals suspected of having MDR-TB or XDR-TB
🔹 To evaluate previous TB treatment failures
🔹 For epidemiological studies of TB drug resistance
📝 How is the Test Done?
1️⃣ Sputum or another body fluid sample is collected
2️⃣ Sample is cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) medium
3️⃣ The bacteria are exposed to 10 different anti-TB drugs
4️⃣ Growth (R) or no growth (S) determines susceptibility
🧑‍⚕️ 10 Drugs Tested in This Panel:
1️⃣ Isoniazid (INH)
2️⃣ Rifampicin (RIF)
3️⃣ Ethambutol (EMB)
4️⃣ Pyrazinamide (PZA)
5️⃣ Streptomycin (SM)
6️⃣ Amikacin (AMK)
7️⃣ Kanamycin (KAN)
8️⃣ Capreomycin (CAP)
9️⃣ Ofloxacin (OFX)
🔟 Levofloxacin (LFX)
⚠️ What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
📈 Resistance to 1 or more drugs:
Some antibiotics will not work → Alternative medications needed.
📈 Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB):
Resistance to Rifampicin & Isoniazid (first-line drugs).
📈 Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB):
Resistance to first-line drugs + second-line drugs (fluoroquinolones & injectables).
📌 Infographic Design Ideas:
✔ Medical color scheme (blue, green, white, and red for resistance warning)
✔ Illustration of TB bacteria and Löwenstein-Jensen culture process
✔ Table listing the 10 drugs tested with possible results (S/R)
✔ Flowchart explaining the impact of TB drug resistance on treatment